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THE LIBRARY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF
NORTH CAROLINA
ENDOWED BY THE
DIALECTIC AND PHILANTHROPIC
SOCIETIES
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18U3
UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL
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Digitized by the Internet Archive
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http://archive.org/details/adventuresofhernOOphil
A LIBRARY
FOR
MY YOUNG COUNTRYMEN.
EDITED BY
THE AUTHOR OF "UNCLE PHILIP'S CONVERSATIONS.
VOLUME IV,
ADVENTURES OF HERNAN CORTES.
k OV ] L H T i:^II
YF THE
)M(0)TUlffiOlLO3F-lfiS3kiLGO
By the Mttioi of
"Uncle Tiii)i)»'6 CoiivexsatioiLS"
NEW YORK
D.Appleton. & Company COO Tiroailwaj
ADVENTURES r
HER NAN CORTES,//
I
CONQUEROR OF MEXICO.
BY
THE AUTHOR OF "UNCLE PHILIP'S CONVERSATIONS."
NEW YORK:
D. APPLETON & CO., 200 BROADWAY.
PHILADELPHIA:
GEORGE S. APPLETON, 148 CHESTNUT ST.
MDCCCXLIII.
,«*v»-vV ^\ «**\
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1843,
By D. APPLETON & CO.,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States,
for the Southern District of New York.
STEREOTYPED BY REDFIELD & SAVAGE,
13 Chambers Street, New York.
F
Q "-'
NOTE.
The writer of this volume has thought it best
not to encumber a book written for the young,
with references to authorities. He owes it to
himself, however, to say, that he believes he has
made no statement for which authority may not
readily be produced.
To any older readers, who may possibly glance
at the volume, he would remark, that he is indebt-
ed for his materials principally to Antonio de
Herrera, Bernal Diaz, Antonio de Solis, Torque-
mada, Clavigero, Don Telesforo de Trueba y
Cosio, Venegas, the letters of Hernan Cortes, the
English historian Robertson, and our own lament-
ed countryman, R. C. Sands, Esq.
\
7675- 247
TO
THOSE OF MY YOUNG COUNTRYMEN,
WHO ARE DISPOSED TO GATHER FROM THE PAGES OF
HISTORY, A STORY OF REAL LIFE, STRANGER
THAN ANY TALE OF ROMANCE,
8TJ)is Volume
IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED,
By the Author.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Birth and parentage of Heman Cortes — His early boyhood—
At the age of fourteen he is sent to the University of Sala-
manca — Proves lazy, and returns home — Leaves his books ?
and takes to field-sports — Disappointment of his father —
Passion of young Cortes for military life — Determines to
join the great captain Gonzalo in the wars of Italy, but is
disappointed — Resolves to accompany his kinsman Ovando
to Hispaniola, but is prevented by an accident — At length
reaches Hispaniola in 1504 — Kindness of Ovando — Restless-
ness of Cortes — His third disappointment — Accompanies
Diego Velasquez in his conquest of Cuba — Imprudence of
Cortes — Expedition of Hernandez de Cordova and Juan de
Gnjalva — Discoveries of Grijalva — Excitement among the
Spaniards — Cortes manages to get command of an expedi-
tion for the continent — Jealousy of Velasquez — Attempts to
stop him at Trinidad and Havana — Enthusiasm among the
followers of Cortes Page 13
CHAPTER II.
Cortes arrives at Cozumel — Imprudence of Alvarado — Discov-
ery of Geronimo de Aguilar — his wretched condition — The
fleet reaches Tabasco — Hostility of the natives — Cortes
offers to treat with them ; they refuse — Notwithstanding
their opposition, he makes his landing — Defeats th^m on the
great plain of Ceutla — Receives Dona Marina as a present — ■
He erects a cross upon the plain — The fleet sails for St. Juan
de Ulua — Reaches that harbor — Kindness of the natives —
Interview with Teutchlile, their chief— Demands that he may
see the Emperor Montezuma, and sends presents to him —
Alarm of Montezuma — He refuses to see the strangers, but
sends presents to them -Cortes again demands to see him — -
Anger and fear of the Emperor — Commands Cortes to leave
his empire, yet sends him further presents . . 31
10 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.
Teutchlile arrives at the Spanish camp with the commands of
Montezuma — Finds Cortes in the midst of difficulties with
his men — Leaves the camp angry — Murmurs of the men —
Management of Cortes — Commences the settlement of Villa
Rica de la Vera Cruz — Quiets the complaints of the discon-
tented — The Cacique of Chempoalla invites him to visit him
■ — Cortes accepts the invitation — Interview between them —
The settlement is removed to Quiabislan — Friendship of the
Caciques of Chempoalla and Quiabislan — The tax-gatherers
of Montezuma arrive — Cortes arrests them — The Totonacas
become his friends — Visits the Cincapacingas — Makes friends
of them — Imprudence of Cortes in the temple of Chempoalla
— Sends messengers with presents to the King of Spain —
Plot of Escudero and Centeno to stop them — They are put
to death — Cortes destroys his fleet, and prepares to march
toward Mexico — Arrival of Alonzo de Pineda upon the coast
— Stratagem of Cortes — Sets out on his march — Passes Xal-
apan, Socachema, and Texotla, and arrives at Xocotlan —
Interview with the Cacique — Determines to pursue his jour-
ney through the province of Tlascala ... 46
CHAPTER IV.
Cortes enters the Tlascalan territory — Character of the people
— Wars with the Tlascalans — Cortes subdues them — They
become his allies— Marches to Cholula— Conspiracy and aw-
ful massacre of the Cholulans 64
CHAPTER V.
Cortes sends messengers to Montezuma, and leaves Cholula —
Alarm of Montezuma — The Spaniards reach the summit of
Ithualco, and see the valley of Mexico — Montezuma retires
to the palace of Tlillancalmecatl to mourn and pray -Sends
his nephew Cacamatzin to dissuade Cortes from entering his
city — Cortes crosses the causeway of Iztapalapan — Meets
Montezuma — His splendid appearance — Enters Mexico, and
makes his quarters at the palace of Axajacatl — Montezuma
visits him — Cortes returns the visit — By his permission, visits
the great market-place, the temple, &c. — Is disgusted in the
temple — Anger of Montezuma — Suspicions of the Tlascalans
— Death of Escalante — Treachery of the nobles — Cortes re-
solves to seize Montezuma — Enters his palace, and carries
him away to the Spanish quarters .... 83
CONTENTS. 11
CHAPTER VI.
Montezuma becomes satisfied at the Spanish quarters — Arrival
of Quauhpopoca — He is delivered to Cortes — His confession
— Is tried, and condemned to die — Montezuma is fettered,
and Quauhpopoca burnt — Revolt of Cacamatzin, the lord of
Tezcuco — He is made a prisoner — Cortes persuades Monte-
zuma to swear allegiance to the King' of Spain — and to
send him a present of gold and silver — The nobles are roused
— Montezuma orders Cortes to leave the country — allows
him time to build ships for his departure — Arrival of Pam-
philo de Narvaez with eighteen ships — Cortes is ordered
again to leave — His joy and disappointment — Treachery of
Montejo — Anger of Velasquez — Endeavors to make a friend
of Narvaez — Sends him messages and presents — Narvaez
proves stubborn — Cortes leaves one hundred and fifty men
with Alvarado at Mexico, and marches to Chempoalla — At-
tacks him at midnight and makes him a prisoner — The sol-
diers of Narvaez gladly enlist under him . . 102
CHAPTER VII.
Insurrection of the Mexicans in the capital — Struggles of
Cortes — Death of Montezuma — Awful conflict in the temple
— The Spaniards retreat from Mexico — Dreadful massacre
on the causeway of Tacuba — Cortes escapes with the rem-
nant of his army to the temple of Otoncalpolco — Determines
to go to Tlascala . 120
CHAPTER VIII.
Battle of Otompan — Victory of the Spaniards — Cortes reaches
Tlascala — Kindness of the Tlascalans — The soldiers of Nar-
vaez murmur — Cortes receives unexpected reinforcements —
The murmurers are sent home — He despatches messengers
to Spain, Hispaniola, and Jamaica — Orders ship-timbers to
be cut in the Tlascalan forests — Makes his head-quarters at
Tezcuco — Death of Cuitlahuitzin — Guatimozin is made King
of Mexico— Cortes attacks the cities Iztapalapan, Chalco,
and Tlalmamalco — Sandoval reduces Zoltepec — The timbers
for the brigantines are brought to Tezcuco — Xaltocan and
Tacuba are reduced— -Guatimozin refuses terms of peace —
Quauhnahuac and Xochimilco are attacked— Narrow escape
of Cortes — Conspiracy of Villafana — Courage and address of
Cortes— The brigantines are launched ... 140
12 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
The siege of Mexico is commenced — Dreadful massacre of the
Spaniards on the causeways — Narrow escape of Cortes —
Frightful festival of the Mexicans in the temple — Their cun-
ning — Prudence of Cortes — The siege is renewed — Message
to Guatimozin — His scornful answer — The Spaniards enter
the capital — The last quarter is besieged — Guatimozin is
made prisoner— The capital reduced — Disappointed avarice
of the Spaniards — Guatimozin is put to the torture — Cortes
snatches him from his tormentors — Death of the Mexican
King — Conquest of the distant provinces— Enmity of the
Bishop of Burgos toward Cortes — Rebuilding of the capital —
Cortes liberates Narvaez 157
CHAPTER X.
Revolt in Panuco — Intrigues in Spain against Cortes— His
friends support him — The King makes him Captain-General
and Governor of New Spain — His great popularity— Arrival
of Garay — Imprudence of his men — Slaughter of the Panu-
chese — The Bishop of Burgos and Narvaez continue their
intrigues — Treachery and death of Christoval de Olid —
March of Cortes to Honduras — The King issues a commis-
sion to investigate his conduct — Fidelity of the soldiers of
Cortes — He embarks for Spain— Death of Sandoval — Recep-
tion of Cortes at the Spanish court — He returns to Mexico
disappointed— Difficulties with the Audiencia— Embarks in
new adventures— Discovery of California — Fails in his plans
— Returns to Spain — Ingratitude of the King— Scornful treat-
ment of the ministers — Death of Cortes — His remains are
taken to Mexico 174
THE
ADVENTURES OF HERNAN CORTES.
CHAPTER I
HO has not heard of that dar-
ing and fiery Spaniard, Hernan
Cortes, the Conqueror of Mex-
ico ? The story of his exploits
is as wild as a fable, and were
it not now a well-known part
of the history of Mexico, could
scarcely be believed. To
those of my young fellow-citizens
who may be ignorant of his career,
I offer the history of this remarka-
ble man.
_j/^* If you will look upon a map of
^V¥)* Spain, in the province of Estremadura,
*^$F?3Sf' you will find the small town of Medel-
~0/j lin. At this place, in the year 1485,
Hernan Cortes was bom of poor but respecta-
ble parents. His parents (Don Martin Cortes
2
14 THE ADVENTURES OF
de Monroy and Dona Catalina Pizarro de Altami-
rano) were of noble descent, had been once rich,
but were now reduced. Whatever others may
think, I consider it fortunate that young Cortes
was born poor. Had he been the child of a rich
man, he might have been reared in the midst of
foolish luxuries and indulgences, fed a life of idle
dissipation, and proved utterly worthless : as it
was, his poverty forced him to make exertions and
to struggle with the world. Poverty helped him,
as it has helped many others ; it taught him to
rely upon his own energies. It was particularly
fortunate in his case ; for his natural temperament,
as you will see, was just such as to ruin him, had
he been born to a rich inheritance.
Of the earliest years of his boyhood I can tell
you nothing, except that he was a warm-hearted,
sprightly, and intelligent lad, admired and beloved
by all who knew him. At the age of fourteen he
gave such promise of future usefulness,*that his
father determined he should have the advantage
of an education, to fit him for the study of the
law. Young Cortes was sent, therefore, at this
time, to the celebrated University of Salamanca.
Here, for the first time, he disappointed the ex-
pectations of his friends. His ardent and restless
nature could not well bear the close industry and
confinement of college life, and boys of inferior
parts outstripped him in his studies. At the eml
HERNAN CORTES. 15
©f two years, I am sorry to say that he was worse
than lazy. He was now so weary of his situation,
that he became the leader of many wild and mis-
chievous irregularities — so much so, that more
than once he came near being expelled from the
University. At length, to the great sorrow of his
father, he left Salamanca, and returned to Medel-
lin. Here, laying aside all books, he devoted him-
self to active and manly sports, and made himself
skilful in horsemanship and the use of arms.
For some time he continued in this career, and
being, unfortunately as it proved at the time, a boy
of fine appearance, amiable disposition, and enga-
ging manners, he brought about him many com-
panions, and launched with them into many dissi-
pations. His father was now very miserable. Far
from dreaming that his son would ever reach honor
or distinction, he feared that he was in a fair way
to prove a worthless and unhappy man. One hope,
however, was still left him. The boy had a pas-
sion for military life, and sighed for daring adven-
tures as a soldier. This passion was carefully
cultivated by the father, and in a little time, when
an occasion presented itself, young Cortes showed
that he was fully alive to it. The " Great Cap-
tain" Gonzalo de Cordova was adding to his fame
in the wars in Italy, and crowds of Spanish youth
were eager to flock to his standard. Among the
rest was Hernan Cortes. Numbers enlisted, but
16 THE ADVENTURES OF
when they were about starting on their march to*
join Cordova at Naples, young Cortes was sudden-
ly seized with sickness, and thereby kept at home.
This was a sad disappointment to the boy, as well
as his father.
Another opportunity for adventure, however, soon
offered, with fairer prospects for Cortes. Don
Nicolas de Ovando, his kinsman, had been ap-
pointed the Governor of Hispaniola, and Don
Martin supposed that, under the patronage of this
kinsman, a fair field was opened before his son in
the New World. Young Cortes now forgot his
disappointment, and set his heart upon accom-
panying Don Nicolas. Great preparations were
making for transporting the new Governor to his
dominions ; and, as he watched the progress, his
desires were the more inflamed. Thirty-two ships
were soon ready, and twenty-five hundred persons
(many of them people of rank) were about em-
barking as settlers for the new colony. But when
all was ready, Cortes was again prevented from
being one of the number. This disappointment
was brought about by his own folly and rash-
ness. It seems that he had formed an attachment
for a lady at Medellin, and on a dark night, before
the ships set sail, was trying to reach the window
of her chamber. In doing this, he had to scram-
ble over an old wall, which unfortunately gave way
under him, and he was severely injured by the fall-
HERNAN CORTES. 17
The ships, therefore, sailed without him, leaving
young Cortes sick and sorrowful, and his father
deeply mortified.
At length, having slowly recovered, his father
once more turned his thoughts toward the New
World. Young Cortes still burned with the desire
to join his kinsman Don Nicolas ; and all being
made ready accordingly, he left Medellin, and ar-
rived safely at Saint Domingo, in the year 1504.
Ovando welcomed him cordially, receiving him
like his own son. He at once fixed him in places
of distinction and profit, and seemed in every way
determined to push his fortunes. Notwithstanding
this, Cortes was restless, and in a little time pant-
ing for a wider field, where he might earn, as he
thought, fame and glory. He was better satisfied
when a circumstance occurred, which he thought
opened that field. Two Spaniards, Ojeda and
Nicuesa, had determined upon an expedition for
the purpose of making discoveries and settle-
ments upon the main land of America. Cortes
heartily joined them in this enterprise, laboring
with diligence to make all things ready. But
when, at length, all was ready, his companions
departed, leaving him too sick to undertake the
voyage. He was now very miserable over this
third disappointment, but afterwards, when he
learned the result of that expedition, he looked
upon the disappointment as a blessmg. It was the
2*
18 THE ADVENTURES OF
most unfortunate attempt ever made by the Span-
iards in the New World. The poor adventurers
suffered sorely by tempests ; and when at length
they landed, the poisoned arrows of the natives,
together with disease and famine, swept off the
most of them. A little colony planted upon the
Isthmus of Darien, by Vasco Nunez de Balboa,
was all that remained of the enterprise. Yet with
all this, he had a thought that had he been among
the adventurers, things might have gone better ;
and his heart was stjjl bent upon discoveries and
conquests. Among all the wild schemes of adven-
ture talked of among the settlers at Hispaniola,
none were too wild for him : he was ready, in fact,
for any daring expedition, — the more daring the
better.
In 1511, Don Diego Columbus, who had suc-
ceeded Ovando as Governor, determined upon the
conquest of the island of Cuba, and Cortes re-
solved to bear his part in it. The Governor se-
lected as the leader of this enterprise Diego Ve-
lasquez, a man well known in Hispaniola ; and
Cortes managed by his ability to be made, with
Andres de Duero r joint secretary to Velasquez. In
a little time all was ready, and Velasquez departed
with a large number of followers. He anticipated
a struggle in subduing the natives of the island,
and had made preparations for it ; but, strange to
tell, an island seven hundred miles long, and cov^
HERNAN CORTES. 19
ered with numerous inhabitants, was brought into
subjection almost without an effort. The cacique
Hatuey opposed his landing, and afterwards gave
him some trouble, but with his three hundred men
he was soon master of the island, and established
several colonies, the principal one being at St.
Jago.
Cortes, seeing the advantage of his position, cul-
tivated warmly the friendship of Velasquez ; and
as he knew that Andres de Duero had his par-
ticular confidence, he managed to make a warm
friend of him. Many of the people, however,
soon became dissatisfied with Velasquez, and de-
termined to send complaints against him to Don
Diego Columbus. Cortes, by his manly bearing,
had made friends of the multitude, and when they
came to choosing some one who should bear their
complaints, the boldness and sagacity of Cortes
prompted them to choose him. It was a danger-
ous business, for the bearer would not only pro-
voke Velasquez, but would risk his life in passing
over to Hispaniola in a canoe. Yet Cortes impru-
dently agreed to undertake it. Velasquez was
so provoked, that he declared he should suffer the
punishment of death. Men were immediately
ordered to arrest him. But Cortes, hearing of this,
managed to make his escape, and hid himself in
the church. Feeling safe here, he determined to
remain until Andres de Duero could induce the
20 THE ADVENTURES OF
commander to pardon him. His ardor and impru-
dence, however, soon revealed his hiding-place.
He had formed an attachment for a young woman
of good family, called Dona Catalina Suarez de
Pacheco. She lived not far from the church, and
Cortes was in the habit of meeting her. The offi-
•cers knew this, and kept watch for him. One
night, having left the church, thinking he was un-
seen, he was suddenly surprised, seized before he
could make any resistance, and led off to prison.
He seemed now to have so much sorrow for his
error, that Velasquez was induced to forgive him.
Afterwards, having married Doha Catalina, upon
the birth of his first son, he requested the Gover-
nor to stand as the god-father. To this Velasquez
cheerfully consented, and now they seemed as
warm friends as ever. Cortes bore himself in eve-
Ty way kindly towards him, and lost no opportu-
nity of making himself agreeable to him.
Desirous of extending his dominions, Velasquez,
in tiie year 1517, had allowed Hernandez de Cor-
• cfova to sail with a small expedition from Cuba,
and he had discovered the eastern cape of Yuca-
tan. It was an unfortunate expedition, — the com-
mander and the greater portion of his soldiers hav-
ing perished in it. Yet the accounts which Ve-
lasquez had received, induced him to fit out another
and more powerful expedition. Four vessels were
at once made ready, and Juan de Grijalva, at the
HERNAN CORTES. 21
head of two hundred and fifty men, took the com-
mand of them. In a short time, he discovered the
island of Cozumel, and then following in the track
of Cordova, coasted along the shores of Yucatan,
trading with the natives, giving them such trinkets
as he had, for gold and food. At last he made a
landing on the island of St. Juan de Ulua. The
Mexicans upon the coasts were now greatly
alarmed. They had never seen such men or
weapons as they now beheld, and they instantly
sent messengers to their chief, Montezuma, telling
him of the arrival of these new visiters. Monte-
zuma was greatly frightened by their news. It is
said that from this time he had no peace, living
daily in the fear that his empire would be taken
from him. The Spaniards remained several days
at the island, and succeeded in finding some gold.
Grijalva, after making his observations, became
convinced that the coast near by was part of a
continent, and he panted to land there and push
his discoveries. There was danger, however, in
this, as he did not know the character of the peo-
ple whom he should meet, and the number of his
men had been greatly reduced by disease. He
resolved, therefore, to wait until he could get a
reinforcement from Cuba, and accordingly sent a
messenger back to Velasquez to get assistance.
Having done this, he pursued his discoveries about
the province of Panuco, which he found covered
22 THE ADVENTURES OF
(it is said) with large and populous towns at the
distance of three leagues from the coast.
In the mean time, his messenger, Pedro de Al-
varado, had arrived in Cuba, bearing specimens of
gold, and telling of the wonderful discoveries of
Grijalva. Velasquez was greatly delighted : like
all his countrymen at that time, he was thirsting
for gold and conquests. His delight, too, was the
greater, because he had heard nothing before from
Grijalva since he sailed, and had feared he was
lost. His fears had at one time been so intense,
that he had despatched a vessel under the com-
mand of Christoval de Olid to seek him. Olid
had followed in the track of his companions, but
after being beaten about with tempests, had re-
turned to Cuba without any tidings of them.
Alvarado's story soon spread over the island, and
multitudes were eager to join Grijalva. The pros-
pect of wealth and glory was now fairly opened
before them, but among them all there was none
more excited than Hernan Cortes. Velasquez im-
mediately sent messengers to Spain with the glo-
rious news of Grijalva's discovery, and then com-
menced fitting out an expedition for the new con-
tinent. The vessel was soon ready, and three
hundred volunteers came forward, desirous of em-
barking. Among these were Diego de Ordaz,
Francisco de Morla, Escobar, and Bernal Diaz del
Castillo, who afterwards wrote a History of the
HERNAN CORTES. 23
Conquest of Mexico. Now came the time for
choosing a leader for this expedition. Velasquez
knew very well that a good leader was everything
in such an enterprise, and he was very cautious.
Some recommended to the Governor to appoint
Vasco Porcallo, a man of high rank, while the sol-
diers were in favor of Grijalva. Others spoke of
Augustin Bermudez, and Bernardino Velasquez,
relatives of the Governor, as fit persons, but none
of them pleased Velasquez. The truth is, the
Governor was jealous. He was desirous of ap-
pointing some one who was capable of leading
the enterprise, and at the same time one who
would not slight his authority. He was seeking
his own glory.
From the beginning of the preparations, Hernan
Cortes had determined, if possible, to be the leader
of this expedition. He was himself on good terms
with Velasquez, but was not willing to trust the
chance of success to that. He knew that there
were two individuals possessing more influence
over the Governor than any others : these were
Amador de Lares, the royal treasurer of Cuba, and
Andres de Duero, his secretary ; and these, fortu-
nately, were warm friends of his own. He bar-
gained with these, therefore, to procure for him the
command of the expedition, promising to reward
them amply if they should succeed. Their attach-
ment for Cortes, together with this hope of reward^
24 THE ADVENTURES OF
induced them to urge his claim warmly. They
declared to Velasquez that Cortes (as he well
knew) was in every way fitted to take the com-
mand — that he was honorable, prudent, and fear-
less, and greatly beloved by all the Spaniards.
Velasquez was pleased with the thought. He felt
that Cortes was the proper man as to ability, and
the thought that he possessed neither rank nor for-
tune, prevented any jealousy towards him. Cortes
had behaved well whenever he had been trusted,
and Velasquez was convinced he might be trusted
now. Then, too, he remembered the friendship
that had been kept between them since the mar-
riage of Cortes, and naturally enough supposed
that their former difficulty made him the safer man
for this occasion. To the great joy of Coites, Ve-
lasquez declared publicly that he was to be the
leader of the expedition.
As soon as this appointment was made known,
the disappointed relatives of the Governor began
to beset him with strange stories of Cortes, hoping
to startle his fears, that he might take the command
from him. Nor did they work in vain. They
succeeded so far in making him jealous, that his
friends Lares and Duero became alarmed. They
immediately gave notice to Cortes of what was
doing, and he as quickly, before the poison had
time fully to work, made all things ready for a start.
He then went to see the Governor, and had along
HERNAN CORTES. 25
talk with him about the whole enterprise. Velas-
quez was now so much pleased, that on the next
morning, when Cortes was about to sail, he went
with him to the vessel, and they had a warm and
affectionate parting.
It was on the 18th day of November, 1519, that
Cortes set sail from St. Jago. In a little time he
reached Trinidad, a small settlement upon the
island, and here discovered that his enemies were
still at work to ruin him. Disappointed ambition
is a base enemy to deal with. Cortes had no soon-
er sailed, than the kinsmen of the Governor told
worse stories than ever. They knew the jealous
nature of Velasquez, and worked upon it freely.
They declared that Cortes was selfish and ambi-
tious, and would despise his authority ; — that he
must expect nothing but insolence from him. Ve-
lasquez for some time felt easy ; for notwithstand-
ing his friendly parting with Cortes, he had given
commands to Diego de Ordaz, one of the adven-
turers, to watch him, and report to him whatever
was done. He felt, therefore, that he had a spy
upon the actions of the leader, and this gave him
confidence. But these disappointed men worked
upon him until he began to feel that his spy would
prove faithless. Then they began to frighten him
in a new way : they hired a man named Juan Mil-
lian, who pretended to be an astrologer, to help
them in their mean design, and this fellow prophe-
3
26 THE ADVENTURES OF
sied terrible sorrows if the command was not taken
from Cortes. All the suspicions of Velasquez were
now roused. He knew the vessel was to touch at
Trinidad, and now he sent his messengers with posi-
tive orders to Francisco Yerdugo, the chief magis-
trate of the place. These orders were, to take the
command from Cortes and give it to Vasca Por-
callo. Secret instructions were sent also to Diego
de Ordaz to assist in this matter. But, fortunately,
the friends of Cortes had not forgotten him. Lares
and Duero knew what mischief was at work, and
they secretly sent news of the whole to Cortes.
He at once understood the danger of his position,
and understood as well how to meet it. Knowing
that much depended upon making a friend of Diego
de Ordaz, he sought him immediately. The open
bearing of Cortes, with his powerful persuasions
and brilliant promises, at once won the friendship
of Ordaz. So far from aiding the commands given
toVerdugo,hewentto the magistrate and convinced
him that it was impossible to obey the commands
of Velasquez. Cortes, he declared, had the hearts
of the people, and it was idle to oppose him. Some
think that Verdugo was bribed, but it is more proba-
ble that the great popularity of Cortes made him
afraid to attempt to carry out his orders. At all
events, Cortes was undisturbed. To blind Velas-
quez, he now wrote him a friendly letter, and then
set sail from Trinidad.
HERNAN CORTES. 27
Ere long he reached Havana, another settlement.
Here he commenced beating up recruits, and gath-
ering stores and provisions to strengthen his arma-
ment. This was easily done ; multitudes eagerly
joined him. Cortes hurried this business as rap-
idly as possible, for he still feared the jealousy of
the suspicious Governor, and expected every hour
the arrival of orders to stop him. In this fear he
was not mistaken. He had not yet completed his
arrangements, when the order came. Velasquez,
more enraged against him than ever, because Verdu-
go had not obeyed his commands, and now certain
that Cortes meant to defy him, sent a messenger
with secret instructions to Pedro Barba, the com-
mander at Havana, ordering him at once to seize
Cortes, send him under a strong guard to St. Jago,
and then delay the expedition until he should re-
ceive further orders. The principal officers were
also commanded to aid Pedro Barba in arresting
Cortes. Fortunately for Cortes, he was again ad-
vised of this plan. Bartholomew de Olmedo, chap-
lain to his armament, having received from a monk
secret information of the whole, informed Cortes,
and he at once prepared to meet the danger. The
two officers whom he most feared as being ready
to assist Pedro Barba, were Velasquez de Leon, a
relation of the Governor of Cuba, and Diego de
Ordaz, whose conduct, notwithstanding what had
passed at Trinidad, was sometimes suspicious.
28 THE ADVENTURES OF
Velasquez de Leon was a frank, warm-hearted, and
ambitious young man, and Cortes easily won him
to his cause by telling him of the glory that was
before him, and the danger of any delay to the ex-
pedition. As to Ordaz, he determined to get him
out of the way for a time, and therefore sent him
to Guaniguanico, near Cape Antonio, that he might
get further supplies of provisions for the voyage.
As soon as Ordaz had left, Cortes assembled all
his men. He now told them of the meanness and
jealousy of Velasquez, in trying to take the com-
mand from him for no cause whatever. Then he
spoke of the foolish order for delaying an expedi-
tion in which they were all so eager to embark,
and in which they were all to earn so much glory,
— an order he declared to be the more outrageous,
because they had all spent their own private means
in equipping for the enterprise. The men were
greatly aroused. They were attached to Cortes,
and they knew his worth as their leader. They
begged that he would never give up the command,
and promised that they would risk their lives any-
where, wherever he might lead. This was pre-
cisely what Cortes desired. He declared that he
would be their leader, and that he would guide
them to that rich and beautiful country for which
they were panting — a country in which every man
should find wealth and honor. He then took an
oath that he would never forsake such faithful and
HERNAN CORTES. 29
trusty followers. The air now rang with their
shouts. While some cried out that they would
stand by Cortes for ever, others uttered terrible
threats against his enemies. He was now fixed in
his command ; he had the hearts of all his men.
They looked upon him as a leader chosen by them-
selves — their noble and bold friend and companion,
who was to lead them on to victory. Pedro Barba
at once wrote to Velasquez, telling him that it was
impossible to fulfil his orders ; and Cortes sent him
a second letter, informing him that on the next day
he should sail from Havana.
The fleet of Cortes now consisted of eleven
vessels, one of which was of one hundred tons,
three of seventy, and the rest only open barks.
His followers numbered six hundred and seventeen
persons. Of these, one hundred and nine were
sailors and mechanics ; the remainder were to act
as soldiers. As to regular soldiers, there were
among them all, only sixteen horsemen, thirty
musketeers, and thirty-two cross-bowmen ; the
others were armed only with spears and swords,
the use of which they little understood. To add
somewhat to their strength, however, there were
on board the fleet " ten cannons and four falconets."
Instead of shields or coats of mail to defend them
from such enemies as they should meet, which
articles would have proved heavy in a warm cli-
mate, their leader had supplied them all with jack-
30 THE ADVENTURES OF
ets quilted with cotton. This was the whole force,
with which Cortes was now prepared to seek and
subdue the new continent.
To urge his followers onward the more, Cortes
mingled with their dreams of glory, the thought
that they were to extend the religion of our bless-
ed Saviour. The spirit of the age, and the religion
in which they had been trained, allowed this idea,
and they really supposed that their warlike expe-
dition, among other things, was to spread the gos-
pel of peace. Strange thought, yet it was theirs ?
The Spaniards therefore hailed with enthusiasm
the banner which Cortes raised over them. It
was a standard of velvet, richly embroidered with
gold, bearing the royal arms and a large cross, to-
gether with this motto : " Companions, let us follow
the cross, for under this guidance we shall conquer"
HERNAN CORTES.
31
CHAPTER II.
ORTES having divided his
men into eleven companies,
and placed captains over
them,* they all embarked, and
on the 10th of February set
sail from Havana. Ere long
they came near the island Co-
zumel. The frightened inhabi-
tants, seeing the approach of the
^fleet, fled from the shores. Nor
were they idly frightened, for they
soon felt the hands of the plunder-
ers. Pedro de Alvarado's company
'was the first to land, and seeing in one
of the temples an idol, beautifully adorn-
ed with gold, they instantly stripped it,
and seized two or three of the natives
Cortes, seeing that such rashness would at once ruin
* The names of these captains, many of whom were after-
wards distinguished, were as follows : Juan Velasquez de Leon,
Pedro de Alvarado, Hernandez Portocarrero, Francisco de
Montejo, Christoval de Olid, Juan de Escalante, Francisco de
Morla, Francisco Salcedo, Juan Escobar, and Gnies Gnortes.
Cortes himself had charge of one of the companies.
32 THE ADVENTURES OF
his prospects, immediately rebuked Alvando, and
caused him to release the prisoners and deliver
up the ornaments. Upon this the natives lost
some of their fears, and mingled freely with the
new-comers.
Cortes now observed that the natives frequently
used the word Castillano, and this led to an im-
portant discovery. He knew that the word must
have been learned of some Spaniard, and therefore
supposed that one or more of his countrymen might
be on the island. After a long search, he succeed-
ed in finding one man, and the poor fellow was
happy indeed when they discovered him, for he
had gone through many sorrows. He was com-
pletely black, was covered only with a few rags
thrown loosely over his shoulders and around his
waist, and had grown to be, in his manners, almost
an Indian. Upon his back he carried a small bun-
dle, in which, among other trifles that he had, were
some pieces of a prayer-book. It was with great
difficulty that he told his story to his countrymen,
for he had almost lost the use of his native tongue.
His name (he said) was Geronimo de Aguilar.
He was a native of Ecija, and had received holy
orders. Eight years before, he had been wrecked
on a voyage from Darien to Hispaniola. He and
his companions tried to save themselves in a boat,
but storms had driven them upon the coast of Co-
zumel, where they were seized by the natives and
HERNAN CORTES. 33
reduced to slavery. Some of them had at length
been sacrificed, and many had died of hard labor.
He had at last, by the providence of God, found a
friend in one of the Caciques, who took care of
him and treated him with kindness. Of all his
companions, one only remained beside himself,
and he had joined the Indians and become one of
their tribe. Cortes immediately took this poor
fellow into his service, and, as it turned out, he
proved a great help in acting as an interpreter be-
tween his countrymen and the Indians.
On the fourth of March the fleet left Cozumel
and moved towards the river Tabasco. At this
place Cortes expected a friendly meeting with the
natives, inasmuch as Grijalva had there been treat-
ed very kindly. In this he was disappointed. It
seems that these friendly people had been reproach-
ed by the neighboring tribes, for their kind recep-
tion of Grijalva. And now, when Cortes came in
sight, instead of friends he found enemies. Every
thing seemed warlike. He saw canoes moving
about filled with warriors, and thousands of men
assembled on the shore to oppose him. Cortes at
once knew that he was to have a struggle, but, de-
sirous of peace if possible, he requested of the peo-
ple through Aguilar, that he might meet their chiefs.
This they promptly refused, at the same time ma-
king dreadful threats against the Spaniards. Cor-
tes made no farther attempt to treat with them, but
34 THE ADVENTURES OF
determined at once to disembark near the town,
and meet the difficulty. Accordingly, he kept on
his course up the river. The natives, seeing this
movement, flocked to the spot where they supposed
he would land. Crowds soon covered the banks
of the river in that quarter, shouting and making a
tremendous noise with their trumpets and drums.
Nevertheless, the fleet cast anchor, and the land-
ing commenced. Clouds of arrows were now
poured in upon them from the land, while the war-
riors in their canoes opposed them fiercely with
their lances. But the resolute Spaniards were
not to be driven back. Through the water and
mud, they fought their way in spite of numbers,
and reached the bank. This was no sooner done,
than Cortes placed himself at the head of his men,
and made a tremendous attack upon the natives,
which soon scattered them. He now reviewed
his troops, and found that fourteen of his followers
had been wounded. He resolved, therefore, not
to pursue the enemy, but fixed his camp for the
night, and posted his sentinels around to prevent
any surprise.
In the mean time, the news of their defeat was
carried through the country by the Indians, and
they rallied in strong numbers for another struggle
upon the great plain of Ceutla. Cortes had ex-
pected this, and prepared himself to meet it. His
horses (thirteen only in number) were brought
HERNAN CORTES. 35
ashore, the best riders were mounted upon them,
and he himself took the command of this little
troop of cavalry. His other troops (the infantry
and artillery) were trusted to the command of
Ordaz and Mesa. Matters being thus arranged,
he pushed forward to meet the enemy. Ere long,
they came in sight of them. The whole plain was
covered with the multitude, and a hideous looking
multitude it was. With their faces daubed with
red and black paint, and armed with their shields,
lances, bows, and slings, they were moving about,
making ready for the battle ; while here and there the
Spaniards marked the chiefs, with tufts of feath-
ers on their heads, who seemed to be urging them
on. The woods rang with the noise of their drums
and trumpets. Sweeping round the plain with his
horsemen, Cortes managed to pass unseen to the
rear of the enemy, so as to prevent any retreat,
while his other troops were to move directly for-
ward and attack them in front. The Indians, how-
ever, did not wait for their attack. Thinking the
first blow the best, they gave it themselves. As
soon as they saw them, they pressed forward and
let fly a tremendous volley of arrows. The Span-
iards for a moment fell back ; one man was killed,
and twenty wounded. The artillery troops now
rushed forward, and bringing their guns to bear,
literally raked down the Indians. Notwithstand-
ing this, the Indians waged the light furiously and
36 THE ADVENTURES OF
fearlessly, and the chances of war were in their
favor, until Cortes showed himself. The plain was
smooth, and he with his horsemen swept over it,
carrying everything before them. This decided
the day. The frightened Indians now saw that
resistance was idle ; they looked upon horse and
rider as one tremendous monster ; and such as
could, fled for the woods and marshes. Eight hun-
dred of their number were left dead on the field,
while two Spaniards only had been killed.
This was their second defeat, and now they
were ready to submit. Fifteen men, with their
faces painted black in sign of sorrow, were soon
sent to the Spanish camp, bearing presents of fowls,
corn, and roasted fish. Cortes received them with
so much kindness, that on the next day thirty of
the chief warriors came forward and begged the
privilege of burying their dead. This favor Cortes
readily granted. He feared, however, that these
people were treacherous, and in a little time might
rally again to oppose him. As soon, therefore, as
the melancholy duty of burying the dead was end-
ed, he assembled the people before him, and threat-
ened awful vengeance if they attempted any further
opposition. To frighten them the more, he caused
one of the cannons to be discharged, and then his
best-trained horses and riders were brought out,
and various terrifying feats performed before them.
The frightened natives now looked upon the Span-
HERNAN CORTES. 37
dards with amazement and reverence, and at once
promised fidelity to the Spanish king. Not satis-
fied with professions of love, they brought to Cortes
many strange presents, such as toys of gold, made
to look like dogs, lizards, ducks, and other ani-
mals ; and to prove their friendship with a crown-
ing gift, they presented to him twenty of their
women.
This last was the most valuable present, for among
these women there was one who afterwards be-
came known under the name of Dona Marina, and
proved a great help to Cortes. She was a female
of high rank among her countrymen — the daughter
of a cacique or prince, who held his dominions sub-
ject to the Emperor of Mexico. Unhappily for
her, her father died while she was an infant. Her
mother afterwards married again, and having a son
by her new husband, learned to despise her daugh-
ter. Her feelings were so bitter towards the child,
that she determined to cheat her of her inheritance,
that she might gain it for the boy. Accordingly,
she secretly gave her away to some merchants of
Xicallanco, and at the same time spread the story
far and wide that the child was dead. The mer-
chants to whom she was given sold her to one of
the chiefs of Tabasco, and the chief now presented
her to Cortes. This woman, as you will see, proved
of great service in two ways. First, she acted as
an interpreter : understanding the Mexican lan-
4
38 THE ADVENTURES OF
guage and the Maja tongue also, which Aguilar un-
derstood, she was able to interpret between the
Spaniards and Mexicans. Then, too, she under-
stood the manners, habits, and prejudices of the
natives, and was enabled to help Cortes to many-
advantages, and to guard him against many dan-
gers — all which she did cheerfully, for she soon
formed a strong attachment for the Spanish leader.
Having thus brought the natives to his own
terms, Cortes prepared to leave Tabasco. He
caused his men (together with the Indians, who
cheerfully assisted) to erect upon the plain of Ce-
utla a large cross made of the Cieba-tree, as a me-
morial of his victory ; and then Palm Sunday being
at hand, he brought all the natives of the neighbor-
hood together to worship around the cross with
Father Olmedo. The Spaniards say, that many
of these poor men were at once made converts to
Christianity, and baptized by Olmedo ; but this can
hardly be believed. Many were baptized, but
probably not one of them knew what he was doing.
They readily obeyed any wish of the Spaniards t
and one wish was that they should be baptized.
At all events, in the evening they parted good
friends to their conquerors, the Indians promising
a " perpetual love ;" and the next morning the fleet
set sail for the harbor of San Juan de Ulua.
Early in April,* they reached that harbor
* Robertson says, the beginning of April — Bernal Diaz says,
the 21st.
HERNAN CORTES. 39
Scarcely had they dropped their anchors and
hoisted their standard, when Cortes saw two large
canoes, full of people, coming towards the fleet.
Two of these people seemed to be persons of note,
and, without any signs of fear, came on board the
principal vessel. They spoke to Cortes in a
friendly way, and by means of Aguilar and Doha
Marina, he was able to understand them. They
were messengers (they said) from the chief who
was trusted with the command of that province by
the great Emperor Montezuma, and were sent to
learn what had brought Cortes to their country,
and also to offer any assistance they could render
him for prosecuting his voyage. Cortes, in his
turn, received them very kindly, assuring them that
he himself was the subject of a mighty king, and
had a message of great importance to deliver to
their sovereign, which would greatly help their
country ; and that he had towards them no thoughts
but those of peace and friendship. At his invita-
tion, they then refreshed themselves by eating, and
after this they were sent back to the chief, loaded
with quantities of toys as presents. The chief and
his people were now greatly delighted. Far from
opposing his landing, they were ready to aid him
in making it, and when he ordered his men to erect
their huts upon the shore, in this also they cheer-
fully assisted. After a little time, a number came,
bringing supplies of bread, fowls, and fruit, with a
40 THE ADVENTURES OF
promise that the governor of the province would
shortly visit him.
Accordingly, on the next day, their chief, whose
name was Teutchlile, in company with Quitlalpi-
toc, another chief, came to the Spanish camp with
a great train of followers. Cortes received them
with great respect, and invited them to eat with
him. This being over, he informed Teutchlile
that he was a subject to Don Carlos, the greatest
monarch of the world, and at his desire had come
to their country with an important message to their
sovereign ; that the message was such a one that
he could deliver it to no person expect the Empe-
ror himself, and therefore hoped he might imme-
diately be allowed to see him. This greatly startled
the two chiefs. They knew the fears and appre-
hensions of Montezuma since the appearance of
strangers upon the coast, and that it would be im-
possible to obtain the privilege which Cortes
sought, — and yet they were afraid to rouse the
Spaniard by a refusal. Hoping to satisfy him
in another way, Teutchlile at once ordered cer-
tain rich presents to be brought forward, which he
declared that Montezuma had sent, in the hope
that Cortes would receive them. These consisted
of a quantity of fine cotton garments, plumes of
many different colors, and a variety of toys made
of gold. The poor ignorant Indian did not know
that the demand of Cortes was made only that he
HERNAN CORTES. 41
might reach the heart of their country, and that the
sight of his rich presents would only excite him
the more, and make him the more determined to
carry out his purpose. Cortes received his pre-
sents in a friendly way, and in return gave them,
as presents for Montezuma, some artificial dia-
monds, a richly-carved arm-chair, and a crimson cap
adorned with a golden medal of Saint George ; and,
with this, demanded more earnestly that he might
he taken to the Emperor to deliver his message.
While all this was going on, some of the follow-
ers of Teutchlile were busy in painting upon pieces
of white cotton, pictures of the strangers, with
their ships, horses, and cannon. Cortes, hearing
that these pictures were to be taken to Montezu-
ma, that he migrht learn something of his new vis-
iters, determined that with them the painters should
carry such a report as should terrify the Emperor.
Accordingly, he immediately ordered his troops to
form in battle array, and with great skill they went
through their military exercises. Then his horse-
men were brought forward, and the Mexicans stood
speechless as they looked at their fierce and won-
derful performances. Next the cannon were dis-
charged, and now they were completely overcome :
some fled, while others fell flat on their faces. It
was with great difficulty that Cortes, after a while,
succeeded in calming their fears, and bringing
them all again around him.
4*
42 THE ADVENTURES OF
Cortes now again urged his demand, and at
length, with fair promises that his message and
presents should be delivered to Montezuma, and
that he should soon have an answer, Teutchlile
with his train was leaving the camp, when sud-
denly he saw a helmet which he greatly desired.
It looked (as he said) like the helmet that adorned
the head of Haitzilopochtli, their god of war, and
begged that he might present it to the Emperor.
This request Cortes readily granted, and they all
departed. This last gift, as you will see, proved
to be a most unfortunate present.
Before these messages reached Montezuma, he
had been greatly alarmed by rumors as to these
strangers. It seems that the Mexican Empire
was managed with great system in every way.
Along the principal roads, couriers were placed at
certain distances, and through them news was
rapidly carried from one end to the other of the
empire. In this way he had gathered strange
stories of Cortes and his followers. At length the
messengers arrived. Montezuma was pleased
with the presents, but their pictures, together with
their stories and the helmet, greatly increased his
alarm. The helmet called up in his heart the
saddest forebodings. His head was full of super-
stitions, and he saw in this helmet something
which told him of the end of his empire. There
was a stransre tradition among the Mexicans at
HERNAN CORTES.
43
this time, " that Quetzalcoatl, the god of the air>
had disappeared a long time ago, promising to re-
turn after a certain time to rule over the people of
Mexico."* Montezuma fancied that these Span-
iards in their armor were like the god of the air,
and trembled for his authority. To the demand
of Cortes he gave a positive refusal, and yet, afraid
to provoke him, to lessen his disappointment, and
secure his friendship, he determined upon sending
him some very rich presents. Accordingly, in les3
than a week, Teutchlile and his followers again
reached the Spanish camp, laden with these pres-
ents.
As they came into the presence of Cortes now r
in token of respect they touched the earth with
their fingers, and then kissed them. Their splen-
did presents were then brought forward. There
were cloths of cotton worked so finely that they
resembled silk, beautiful pictures made of different
colored feathers, various toys of animals made of
gold, together with collars and bracelets of the
same precious metal, pearls and precious stones,
and, best of all in the eyes of the Spaniards, was
an enormous plate of gold made in the form of a
circle, to represent the Mexican age of fifty years,
having the sun in the centre. f Cortes received
• Clavigero's Mexico.
f This piece was very massive, nor could it be less than ten
thousand sequins in real value. — Clavigero's Mexico.
44 THE ADVENTURES OF
these with great delight, and then demanded when
he should see the Emperor. The messengers, in
as mild a way as possible, informed him that Mon-
tezuma was not disposed to see him at his court ;
that he feared the Mexicans would be excited if
strange soldiers were seen in the capital of the
empire, and moreover that he thought it dangerous
for Cortes to attempt to reach him, inasmuch as he
would have to pass through barren deserts, meet-
ing many hostile tribes. Cortes was now more
decided than ever. He insisted upon being taken
immediately to the emperor, declaring that he
would never leave their country, until he had faith-
fully delivered the message of his master Don
Carlos.
The messengers were now in a worse condition
than before. They had seen Montezuma's fears
and they now saw Cortes' resolution. Afraid to
offend either party, they at last prevailed upon
Cortes to remain with his men where he was, un-
til they should bring him a farther message from
Montezuma.
Reaching the capital again, they found the Em-
peror in the same fearful state of mind, and his
fears became greater when he learned how Cortes
persisted in his demand. It seems strange, that
this great monarch should have been so much
startled by the appearance of a handful of strangers
in his kmo-dom. His dominions were two hundred
HERNAN CORTES. 45
leagues from north to south, and five hundred from
east to west ; they were covered by a numerous
and warlike race of men, and he himself had almost
the complete control of his people. Often had he
led them on to victory, until his name had come to
be a protection to friends and a terror to enemies,
and had he at once marched against the Spaniards
he might readily have crushed them. But the truth
is, he was a slave to superstitious fears, and, like
most men frightened in this way, the longer he look-
ed at danger, the greater it seemed to be. The poor
man's head was filled with old traditions, and
prophecies, and strange dreams, and everything
seemed to tell him that the end of his great empire
was at hand. When the messengers told him that
Cortes still insisted on seeing him, he was pro-
voked as well as frightened at his boldness. In a
storm of passion, he swore that the Spaniards
should never leave his country ; that he would
seize them all, and sacrifice them to the gods —
then his fears mastered him, and he gave up all
thought of attacking them. Thus wavering be-
tween anger and fear, he did not know what to
do, and was hardly fit to attempt anything. At
length, he despatched his messengers, with posi-
tive orders to Cortes to leave his country imme-
diately, while at the same time his fears prompted
him to load these same messengers, with rich pres-
ents once more for the Spanish chief.
46
THE ADVENTURES OF
CHAPTER III
HEN Teutchlile again reach-
ed the Spanish camp, Cortes
was in the midst of difficulties
with his own men. Notwith-
standing his great popularity,
it seems there were some few
in his army who were friends
to Velasquez, and these watch-
ed all his movements very closely.
They had noticed that in all his or-
ders, and especially in taking pos-
Tl session of the island Cozumel, the
name of Velasquez was not even
once mentioned, and they now began
to beat up friends among the men, de-
claring that Cortes was selfishly ambi-
tious, thinking only of himself, and seeking his
own glory. Dissatisfied themselves, they mag-
nified every little trouble, to make the men dis-
contented also with their leader. The spot where
the camp was pitched was sandy, and swarmed
with musquitoes, and this was spoken of. The
HERNAN CORTES. 47
provisions were becoming scanty — the bread was
spoiled — the bacon was rotting — and they alarmed
the men with the fear of starvation. This scarcity
of food Cortes had himself noticed, and had pro-
posed to seize on the strong town of Chiahuitzla,
where they would find supplies. This they com-
plained of, saying that it was risking their lives
for nothing, that they were but a small band, al-
ready weakened ,by disease and fatigue, and could
hope for no success in such an undertaking. The
spirit of discontent was thus beginning to run high,
when the messenger arrived with positive orders
from Montezuma that the strangers should leave
his country. Cortes received this message with
great calmness, and tried to frighten the messen-
ger, but Teutchlile only treated him with scorn,
and left the camp very angry.
Now the murmurs among the discontented be-
came louder. They looked upon the message of
Montezuma as a declaration of war against them,
and openly declared they were not able to meet
it. Diego de Ordaz, their principal leader, was
chosen to go before Cortes in their name, to tell
him of the madness of remaining in the country,
and that they were determined to return to Cuba.
Cortes received this also with great coolness,,
and at once ordered his troops to prepare for their
return. But the truth is, that as these difficulties
had been increasing, he had prepared himself to
48 THE ADVENTURES OF
overcome them. He knew that he had certain
strong friends around him. These were Porto-
carrero, Sandoval, Alvarado,Escalante, Olid, Lugo,
and Bernal Diaz, and to these he had spoken
plainly telling them of the danger that threatened
the expedition, and they had spoken to many of
the men. These now came forward and declared
that they could never think of returning ; that they
had spent all their means, and left«every comfort to
embark in the enterprise, and that it was cruelty to
them to turn back merely because some of the men
were too cowardly to go on. They called on
their commander to lead them on to victory, since
they were ready to follow, and to let all who were
not bold enough for the adventure, return to the
Governor of Cuba. This was precisely what Cor-
tes desired and expected. In reply, he declared
that he was ready and anxious to remain, and had
proposed a return homeward, only because he sup-
posed it was the desire of his followers ; that now
he was delighted to find he had mistaken their
wishes. Since they had shown the fearless feel-
ing of true Spaniards, he was ready to lead them
on, and should try to prove himself a proper com-
mander for such brave adventurers. These words
of Cortes had a wonderful effect upon the army.
Still his plan was not yet completed. As the
friends of Velasquez thought that his authority
was slighted, Cortes determined that he would
HF.RNAN CORTES. 49
make himself in every way independent of that
authority. For this purpose, he now, with great
solemnity, commenced a settlement in the country,
giving to the new colony the name of Villa Rica
de la Vera Cruz.* The men were all assembled
next, to choose officers for the new colony ; and,
as Cortes expected, the authority was given to
Portocarrero, Alvarado, and Olid, three of his prin-
cipal friends. As soon as these officers met in
council, he came before them. He began by telling
them that they were intrusted with great powers
for the good of the settlement, and that he should
be always ready to support them ; and that since
they were the chosen officers of the people, he
could not think it right or proper that he should any
longer keep the command which was given to him
by Velasquez. He had come, therefore, to deliver
up his commission to them, and was ready to take
his place in the army as a common soldier. With
this he left them.
He had no sooner departed, than the three offi-
cers elected him to the command of the army, as
well as to the chief management of the colony.
Then, to secure the good feelings of the men, the
whole army was at once assembled, and they told
them what they had done. All the former success
of Cortes was now set forth before them, together
with his bravery and generosity, and the bright
* The rich town of the True Cross.
5
50 THE ADVENTURES OF
prospects before all those who should follow such a
leader. The men were greatly excited. They
vowed their attachment to Cortes, and took an oath
to stand by him at all hazards. Some few still
held back, but they were brought over by presents
and promises. Now the ringleaders, Diego de Or-
daz, Velasquez de Leon, Escobar, and Escudero,
were more angry than ever, and spoke more loudly
against Cortes, in spite of all the numbers in his
favor. To stop this, he instantly caused these
men to be seized and fastened with fetters. In a
few days they were set free, and Cortes offered to
send them back to Cuba ; but they chose rather to
remain with him now. Their discontent seemed
at an end, and all was again quiet and peaceable*
Thus Cortes had managed to be more firmly fixed
than ever in the hearts of his companions. His
difficulties had only aided him.
As they still felt the want of food, Alvarado was
now sent with a hundred men to scour the neigh-
boring country, and, if possible, obtain supplies.
In a little time, he returned with good news, but
he and his men had been startled by some things
which they saw. They had passed through cer-
tain villages, where there was abundance of food,
and in one had entered one of the temples of the
natives. There, to their great horror, they found
the bleeding bodies of men and boys who had just
been sacrificed, for the knife lay reeking with blood
HERNAN CORTES. 51
beside them. It was impossible for him to learn
anything from most of the natives whom he saw,
for they fled at the sight, of him. He had met only
one party who seemed friendly, and these were
laden with provisions, and seemed to be going
towards the Spanish camp. In a short time, this
party came in with their supplies, and presented
themselves before Cortes as messengers from the
Cacique of Chempoalla, with a warm invitation
from the Cacique that the strangers would visit him.
Cortes received them kindly, but doubted at first
as to accepting this invitation, fearing there was
treachery in it. He asked the messengers many
questions, and at length discovered that their Ca-
cique, though subject to the Emperor of Mexico,
was no friend to Montezuma. This was enough
to bring him to a conclusion, for he at once saw
what advantage he might make of it. He there-
fore dismissed them, thanking the Cacique for his
kindness, and promising that he would soon come
and see him.
The spot where the settlement was begun was
not a good one, and Cortes only waited for the
arrival of Francisco de Montejo, whom he had
sent in search of a better, to keep his promise
with the Chempoallans. At the end of twelve
days he came back, reporting that he had found a
place called Quiabislan, with a fine harbor and a
fertile soil. Cortes determined at once to remove
52 THE ADVENTURES OF
his settlement there, and as Chempoalla lay in the
way to this place, he was soon ready for his de-
parture. When the Spaniards reached Chempo-
alla, they were surprised and pleased to see its
large houses and wide streets lined with beautiful
trees. The meeting was very friendly between
the Cacique and the Spanish chief. The Cacique
came forward with his principal men, all dressed
in rich mantles of fine cotton, adorned with gold,
and Cortes at once embraced him. He imme-
diately began to complain of the cruelty and
oppression of Montezuma, and expressed great
joy that the Spaniards had arrived. Cortes at
once saw that the poor man deserved and needed
protection, and therefore, weak as he was with his
little band, he offered himself as his protector.
It was the desire of the Emperor Don Carlos
whom he served (he said), that he should protect
the weak, and free all who were oppressed ; that
he saw that his wrongs were many under the
cruel tyrant Montezuma, and in a little time he
would see that they were ended. With this pro-
mise he left the Chempoallans greatly delighted,
and pushed on to Quiabislan.
He found this place to be just what Montejo had
described it, and immediately marked out the
ground for making the settlement. Then he led
the way in the work, carrying materials and dig-
ging the ground for the foundation. His officers
HERNAN CORTES. 53
and men followed his example, the Indians readily
assisted, and in a little time, the settlement was
quite a comfortable place. While these things
were going on, the Caciques of Quiabislan and
Chempoalla frequently visited him, and talked of
nothing but the tyranny and oppression of the
Mexican Emperor. They, had suffered much
themselves, but were particularly bitter against
Montezuma, on account of his late cruelties in the
territories of the Totonacas, where they declared
multitudes of men had been sacrificed by him.
While they were thus one day talking with him,
the news arrived that the tax-gatherers of Monte-
zuma had come to the province to receive the an-
nual tax. Next came a summons from these offi-
cers to the Caciques, calling upon them instantly
to deliver up twenty of their men and women, to
be offered as a sacrifice for their guilt in entertain-
ing the strangers, contrary to the positive commands
of Montezuma. The poor frightened Caciques
were afraid to disobey the command, and thereby
call down upon themselves the wrath of the Em-
peror. And yet they trembled at the thought of
obedience. Cortes at once relieved them. He
ordered his own men instantly to seize the tax-
gatherers, and then issued his proclamation that
no taxes should ever afterward be paid to Monte-
zuma. The cowardly Caciques were now made
strong by his boldness. In their rage against
5*
54 THE ADVENTURES OF
Montezuma, they declared that his collectors should
be sacrificed to the gods, and but for Cortes it
would have been done. He had to place a guard
of his own soldiers around them to protect them.
The position of these Caciques was now dan-
gerous enough. They knew the power and dread-
ed the wrath of the great Emperor Montezuma.
His authority had been defied in their dominions,
and they knew the consequence. They were
themselves startled at the boldness of the Spaniards,
for never before had they seen the power of their
Emperor resisted. Indeed, they looked upon the
strangers as supernatural beings, and gave them
the name of Teules, a title which was bestowed
upon their idols. Yet they rejoiced while they
trembled, and knowing that there was no escape
for them except through the Spaniards, they sought
their friendship more earnestly than ever. Cortes
quieted their fears as well as he could, by promis-
ing them his protection, and they in their turn
swore fidelity to the Spanish king, declaring that
they were no longer the subjects of Montezuma.
The Totonacas, who smarted perhaps most un-
der his cruelty, were the fiercest now in their op-
position 5 but the three tribes, all with one accord,
solemnly declared that they would follow Cortes
in his expedition.
His strength was now somewhat increased, but
very soon by his management he made friends of
HERNAN CORTES. 55
a fourth tribe. These were the people of Cinca-
pacinga. It seems that the Cacique of Chempoal-
la had a bitter feeling towards these people, be-
cause (as he said) of certain outrages committed
by the garrison there, and he urged Cortes to
march against their town. The Spanish chief ac-
cordingly set out upon his march, but as he cam©
near he learned from the Cincapacingas another
story. Eight of the principal men came for-
ward in great sorrow, entreating him not to molest
them, declaring that the Chempoallans hated them
on account of some old disputes about the boun-
daries of their territories. Cortes, anxious to make
as many friends as possible, ordered that the peo-
ple should be undisturbed, and that their town
shoidd not be plundered. Then he brought the
unfriendly Caciques together before him, and per-
suaded them in his presence to come to terms of
peace. Their quarrel was settled, and he had new
friends.
He was now fairly in the country, backed by
the affection of his own men who knew his value,
and the friendship of four tribes that looked to him
for protection and loved him for his justice toward
them.* All things thus far had been managed
* Cortes was very particular just at this time in punishing
any of his followers who trespassed upon the rights of the na-
tives. It is said that he even carried his discipline so far, as
to order one of his men to be hanged for stealing some fowls in
a peaceable territory, and the poor fellow would have lost his
life but for the efforts of Alvarado.
56 THE ADVENTURES OF
with great prudence, and it is strange that we find
Cortes just at this time guilty of an act of great
imprudence. His early education, however, may
in a measure excuse it. He had before this re-
buked Alvarado for stripping an idol at Cozumel,
and now he was himself guilty of a greater outrage
of the same kind, towards the natives. He had
entreated the Chempoallans to leave off the bloody
rites of their religion. The priests were greatly
shocked at his proposal, and immediately roused
the people to oppose it. Cortes now became an-
gry — instantly ordered fifty of his men to arms,
and started to invade the temple. The Cacique
begged him to do no violence, but the Indian warri-
oo
ors seeing his determination, seized their weapons
for a struggle. Cortes marched on and ascended
the steps of the temple. Seeing the warriors
gathered to oppose him, he seized the Cacique
with his principal officers and the priests, and de-
clared he would instantly kill them if any resist-
ance was made. The Indians now laid aside
their arms and looked on with tears and groans.
Cortes entered their temple — their idols were
thrown from the altars and broken in pieces. He
commanded then that even the fragments should
be burned. The priests now came forward in
their long black mantles, with their hair reach-
ing to the ground clotted with blood, and their ears
lorn and cut, gathered up the pieces and burned
HERNAN CORTES. 57
them in the midst of the temple. The next com-
mand was to wash and purify the place ; and afteu
this the holy cross was raised upon the altar, and
Father Olmedo invited the people to worship.
The poor Chempoallans submitted to this, for they
were weak and needed his protection.
The followers of Cortes had now been in the
country nearly three months, and began to grow
impatient to march toward Mexico. He was him-
self as eager as any, but had not yet arranged all
things as he desired. The thought of the oppo-
sition of Velasquez tormented him, and he was
determined if possible to have the approbation of
Don Carlos, the King of Spain. He gathered
his principal friends together, and told them
that before starting, he thought it best to send
special messengers to the King ; and that, to please
Don Carlos, it would be well to send to him by
the same messengers a present of all the treasures
thus far discovered. These friends approved the
plan, and proposed it to the men. Strange to tell,
almost every man willingly stripped himself of all
he had gained thus far to swell the present of Don
Carlos. It was for the common good, and that was
sufficient. Portocarrero and Montejo were at once
chosen as the messengers. With positive instruc-
tions that they should by no means touch in their
voyage to Spain at the Island of Cuba, the mes-
sengers set sail, bearing to Don Carlos the pres-
58 THE ADVENTURES OF
-ent and a letter from the officers of Villa Rica, giv-
ing glorious accounts of Cortes, and the rich
country which he had discovered for the kingdom
of Spain.
The messengers had scarcely left, when a plot
was formed by some of the soldiers and sailors to
seize one of the vessels, sail to Cuba, and inform
Velasquez of what was going on, that he might
stop them on their way. The plot was so secretly
managed, that it was discovered just in time to
prevent it. The conspirators had gone on board
the vessel, when one of their number, named Co-
ria, who was about joining them, suddenly repented
of his treachery, came to Cortes, and informed
him of the plan. He immediately went on board
the vessel, and not one of them dared deny the
crime. They were all seized and brought ashore.
Escudero and Centeno, the ringleaders, were in-
stantly put to death ; Umbria, the pilot, had one of
his feet cut off; and two of the sailors received
two hundred lashes. This was terrible punish-
ment, but Cortes excused himself by the plea of
necessity. The rest of the gang he spared, saying
that they were unfortunately led off by the bad
example of the ringleaders.
Cortes was now very unhappy. This plot con-
vinced him that there were still dissatisfied men in
his camp ; that all was not peace as he supposed.
He knew that where this was the case, troubles
HERNAN CORTES. 59
of the same kind were likely to occur again ; but
in his anxiety a thought flashed upon his mind,
that he would prevent them for ever. A bold
determination was now in his heart. He again
gathered his principal friends, and told them that
he was resolved to destroy the fleet ; that thereby
he would gain all the sailors for soldiers ; and that
his men, having then no chance of escape, must
either conquer or die. As usual, they approved
of his daring resolution ; the soldiers were talked
to, and many were ready to join heart and hand in
a plan which added one hundred sailors to the
army. Escalante was soon busy in dismantling
the ships, and the hulls were sunk. The skiffs
only were saved, for the purpose of fishing. Thus
they were locked up in the country. To conquer
or die was truly all that was now before them, and
Cortes at once commenced his preparations for
invading Mexico.
Assembling all his men at Chempoalla, he made
a stirring speech to his army, telling them of the
glory that was before them. The force now con-
sisted of five hundred infantry, fifteen horsemen,
and six pieces of cannon. To these he added two
hundred Indians of a low grade, called Tamenes?
who were to act as beasts of burden, and four hun-
dred warricrs, selected, by the request of the Ca-
cique of Chempoalla, from among his troops.
Then taking from the Caciques a promise that they
60 • THE ADVENTURES OF
would aid, as far as they could, his settlement at
Villa Rica, left under the command of Escalante*
he was ready for the march.
At this moment, a messenger came in hot haste
from Villa Rica, to tell him that a vessel was
cruising near the coast. This startled Cortes ; in
an instant he supposed that this was some ship
sent against him by Velasquez. Leaving the com-
mand of the army to Alvarado and Sandoval, he
immediately set off, with a small party of horse,
for Villa Rica. As he came near, he marked the ves-
sel at some distance from the shore, and presently
saw in his way four strange Spaniards coming tow-
ards him. It seems that these men were a part of the
crew of the strange vessel, and had been sent to
the shore by the captain, Alonso de Pineda, to take
possession of the country. The captain was aware
that Cortes was in possession, and had given them
a document to present to him, — which document
stated that, by a royal commission, Francisco de
Garay, the Governor of Jamaica, was to have au-
thority over all the coast he might discover to the
north of the river of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
Three ships had therefore been sent by Garay,
bringing two hundred and seventy soldiers, undei
the command of Pineda, who was just now in the
river of Panuco. They presented the document,
at the same time commanding Cortes not to come
upon the new territory of Garay. Receiving it,
HERNAN CORTES. 61
he begged that he might see their captain, and
make a fair arrangement with him, declaring
that they were both subjects to Don Carlos, and
seeking the glory of their common kingdom. This
they refused ; and Cortes, without hesitation, or-
dered them to be seized. He then hid himself
with his men all night behind a sand-hill near the
coast, hoping that more soldiers would be sent
from the ships to look for their comrades, and that
he might seize them and persuade them to join
him. Finding himself disappointed in this, he now
employed a stratagem to bring them ashore. Four
of his men were dressed in the prisoners' clothes,
and sent to the coast to make signals. In a little
time, a boat was seen making to the shore. From
some cause or other (suspicion of the plot, perhaps),
only three men landed — the rest pushing off, and
hurrying back to the ship. These three, however,
were instantly secured. Having now no hope of
gaining more men, and little to fear, as he thought,
from Francisco de Garay, with his seven new
soldiers he pushed back to his army.
On the 16th of August, the army commenced
the march towards Mexico. For a little time they
fared very well, passing through Xalapan, Soco-
chima, and Texotla, where the people were inde-
pendent of Montezuma, and consequently received
them Very kindly. After this they came upon a
wild and mountainous region, filled with frightful
6
62 THE ADVENTURES OF
precipices, where no human being lived. The
weather was extremely cold, provisions began to
run low, and withal they were pelted by heavy
hail-storms. They felt now that their hardships
had commenced ; but, trained to difficulties, and
thirsting for glory, they moved on without a mur-
mur. At length they arrived at Xocotlan, on the
confines of Mexico, and were greatly cheered by
the change. The chief city lay in a beautiful
valley at the foot of the mountains ; the lofty tem-
ples, and houses plastered and whitewashed, rose
pleasantly before them, and for a moment they
thought of their homes in the Old World. Cortes
at once sent a message to the Cacique, informing
him of his arrival ; and he presently showed him-
self, with a large number of followers. The
Spanish chief was greeted kindly, to all appear-
ance, but, as he thought, not sincerely ; and he
was confirmed in this thought when he found that
his troops were but poorly provided for. He con-
sidered it best, however, to make no complaints.
For five days he remained at this place, learning
all that he could of Montezuma and his kingdom.
He questioned the Cacique very closely, and was
told in reply that Montezuma was the most power-
ful and wealthy monarch in the world ; and while
he richly rewarded all his friends, his enemies
were always looked upon as wretched beings, and
sacrificed to the gods. The city of Mexico, where
HERNAN CORTES. 63
lie dwelt, was a strong fortress, where no enemy
could take him. It was built in a lake, and could
only be reached by three causeways, each of which
had several chasms, which could only be passed
by means of wooden bridges. The Spaniards
heard all this with perfect calmness, and the Xo-
cotlans began to look upon them also as Teules, or
deities. The thought that men could live without
fearing the great Montezuma, was to them incredi-
ble. Then the skill of the soldiers, together with
the appearance of the cannons and horses, startled
the Cacique the more, and he now showed a dis-
position to be very friendly.
When Cortes was leaving, he seemed greatly
interested in him, and urged him, on his jour-
ney to Mexico, to take the route through the
province of Cholula. There were multitudes of
people (he said) in that province, for the most part
peaceable men, living by cultivating the soil : there
the Spaniards would meet with a kind reception,
and find abundance. The Chempoallans, however,
were of a different opinion. They now came for-
ward, stating that the Cholulans were a treacher-
ous race ; that no man could put any confidence in
them ; and besides this, that their chief city was
guarded by a garrison of Mexican soldiers. They
begged that he would make his journey through
the province of Tlascala, where the people were
fierce and warlike, hated Montezuma, and would
64 THE ADVENTURES OF
gladly receive him ; moreover, that these Tlasca-
lans were strong friends to them and the Totona-
cas. Cortes, thinking the advice of old friends,
of whom he had had some trial, better than that
of new ones, determined to go by the way of
Tlascala.
HERNAN CORTES.
65
CHAPTER IV.
ENEWING his march, in a
little time Cortes reached Xa-
lacingo, on the borders of the
hTlascalan dominions, and im-
mediately prepared to send
messengers into their coun-
try, to tell them of his arrival.
Four Chempoallans of high
rank were chosen for this purpose.
Dressed after the manner of ambas-
sadors (with cotton mantles full of
^ knots at the ends), and bearing a long
arrow tipped with white feathers,
the symbol of peace,* they departed.
Contrary to all expectation, they were
received unkindly. The Tlascalans at
once seized them, and prepared to sacrifice them
to their gods. Fortunately, through the neglect of
the guard placed over them, they managed to es-
cape, and hurried back to the Spanish camp with
their awful story. The Tlascalans were angry,
* An arrow tipped with red featheis was the sign of war.
6*
66 THE ADVENTURES OF
and swore that they would sacrifice the Spaniards,
and all who should assist them, to the gods ; and
were now gathering in vast numbers to stop their
progress.
This news surprised Cortes. He had supposed
that the warlike Tlascalans would have welcomed
him as a strong ally to aid them in their opposition
to Montezuma ; and that, at least, their friendship
with the Chempoallans and Totonacas would have
made them his friends. He was at a loss to know
the meaning of their conduct : perhaps his mes-
sengers had proved treacherous ; possibly the
Tlascalans might have supposed that he was a se-
cret friend to Montezuma ; or it might be that they
had heard of what he had done in the temple at
Chempoalla, and were determined upon revenge.
These thoughts passed rapidly through his mind ;
but the truth is, he was wrong in all : he had mis-
taken the character of the Tlascalans. They were
a warlike, independent people. They had once
been governed by kings, but had shaken off the
yoke, and formed themselves into a sort of republic.
They had divided themselves into districts : each
district had its separate ruler, who was elected by
the people, and who represented his province in
the general senate of Tlascala. It was not to be
supposed that people who had thus struggled for
independence and made a government of their own,,
would receive a band of armed strangers kindly ;
HERNAN CORTES. 67
and had Cortes known as much of them, he would
hardly have expected it.
But surprise could not help him. He knew that
a struggle was before him, and, without a sign of
fear, he rallied his men for their march into Tlas-
cala. Particular instructions were given to the
different troops of his army, and then their beau-
tiful standard was raised before them. Cortes,
pointing to the banner, cried out, " Spaniards !
follow boldly the standard of the Holy Cross,
through which we shall conquer ;" and the soldiers
with one accord shouted, " On ! on ! in the name
of God, in whom alone we place our trust."
After a march of two leagues, the Spaniards
came to a stone wall, which in former days had
been thrown up by the Tlascalans to stop the in-
vaders from Mexico. Finding no enemy, they
easily crossed the wall and pressed on. It was
not long now before the advanced guard of the
army saw some of the Tlascalan troops, and had a
slight skirmish. In a little time, as Cortes came
forward with the main body, three thousand Tlas-
calans rushed from an ambush and poured in their
arrows upon them. The Spaniards met this val-
iantly. After an obstinate struggle, the Indians
were forced to give way and make their retreat.
Yet Cortes marked that their retreat was made in
an orderly and fearless manner, unlike the flight
of most of the savages whom he had met ; and he
68 THE ADVENTURES OF
felt at once that lie had to deal with no common
Indians. He began therefore to be very particu-
lar in choosing the spots where his army should
halt, and guarding the encampments through the
night ; and gave special command to the troops by
no means to separate on their marches, but to pro-
ceed in solid and compact order.
The next day he was met by six thousand Tlas-
calans. These instantly attacked him, filling the
air with their arrows, and making the plain echo
with their yells, drums, and trumpets. But the
cannons made sad havoc among them, and in a
little time they gladly retreated to the top of a hill
in the distance, from which they soon disappeared.
Following on, Cortes reached at length the same
height, when the whole Tlascalan army burst upon
his sight. The plain far and wide was covered
with the multitude. Forty thousand men were
there, under the command of Xicotencatl, the
general-in-chief of the Tlascalan republic. Un-
dismayed by the numbers, he commanded his men
to keep together at all hazards, and commenced
at once descending the hill, amid nights of stones
and arrows. They reached the plain : the cavalry
and artillery were fairly brought into the action,
and once more, after an hour's hard fight, the
Tlascalans retreated before them. This was an
unfortunate day for the Tlascalans ; multitudes of
their men were slain — how many, it is impossible
HERNAN CORTES. 69
to say, for, like all Indians, they carried off their
dead to conceal their losses. Eight of their chiefs
fell, while two were made prisoners. The Span-
iards had fifteen men wounded, of whom only ono
died. One of their horses, however, was killed.
The Indians carried the body away in triumph,
and, cutting it in pieces, sent parts of it to all the
cities of Tlascala.
Though victorious, Cortes was not satisfied with
this hard struggle. The loss of one man was
sorely felt by him ; and he felt, moreover, that if
other nations should by any chance join the Tlas-
calans, there was no hope of success to his enter-
prise. He desired peace, therefore, and accord-
ingly sent his two prisoners to their countrymen
with offers of peace. To this friendly message,
Xicotencatl only sent back this bold answer : — -
" Bid them proceed to Tlascala, where the peace
they shall meet from us shall be displayed by the
sacrifice of their hearts and blood to the gods, and
of their bodies to our feasts."
Cortes now very coolly informed his men that
they were to make ready for another battle ; and
all that night they were busy in preparing their
arms, ammunition, &c, and in making confession
of their sins, and other acts of devotion. When
morning dawned, they resumed their march,
even the wounded men taking their places in the
ranks. Ere long-, they came again in sight of the
70 THE ADVENTURES OF
Tlascalan army. It covered the plain for two
leagues : there were no less than fifty thousand
men now gathered to oppose them ; the army was
made up of five divisions, each division being under
the command of a chief, and the whole led on by
the general Xicotencatl. His banner, bearing a
large white bird like a spread ostrich, was proudly
carried before him. As the Spaniards came near,
the Indians commenced the battle with a tremen-
dous discharge of arrows, darts, and stones, and
then, amid shouts and yells as usual, rushed di-
rectly upon them. The artillery-men at once
opened their cannons upon them, while the mus-
keteers and crossbow-men kept up a continual fire,
literally cutting down the multitude in heaps. Still
the raging Tlascalans pushed onward without fear,
and succeeded, for a moment, in breaking through
the Spanish lines. It required all the courage and
skill of Cortes to bring his men back to their po-
sition. The cavalry now rushed over the plain,
sweeping down masses before them. Yet the
brave Tlascalans pressed on with their numbers.
Wherever a man fell dead, it seemed another
arose with fiercer spirit to revenge his death.
Thus the battle raged furiously on both sides. At
length it was seen by the Tlascalans that one of
their divisions kept out of the fight, nor could be
pressed into it — the chief who headed it being pro-
voked with Xicotencatl. This discouraged them :
HERNAN CORTES. 71
they began to fall back, when one of their princi-
pal chiefs fell dead, and they were completely dis-
mayed — the battle was ended. But for these cir-
cumstances, with all his skill and courage, Cortes
had hardly prevailed against such numbers. It is
very remarkable that in this fierce struggle the
Spaniards had only one man killed. Seventy of
their men, however, together with all their horses,
were wounded. Some died of their wounds after-
wards.
On the next morning, Cortes sent another mes-
sage to the Tlascalans, demanding that he should
be allowed to pass quietly through their territory,
and threatening to desolate their whole country if
they refused. But their fierce chiefs were not
frightened : they did not yet feel that they were
conquered, and determined to try his strength
again. They now called together their priests,
and demanded of them what could be the cause
of their terrible defeat, and in what way they were
to drive the invaders from their country. After
performing many rites and sacrifices, the priests
came forward and declared that the Spaniards
were men like themselves, but were created by
the heat of the sun in the regions of the East ;
that during the day they were not to be conquered,
because they were guarded by the sun : at night
they were not thus protected, and might then be
easily overcome.
72 THE ADVENTURES OF
The Tlascalans made ready again. Num-
bers soon gathered themselves, under the com-
mand of Xicotencatl, for an attack at night. As
they drew near the Spanish camp, the sentinels
marked them, the alarm was given, the cavalry
rushed forth, and after another fight the astonished
Tlascalans fled in dismay. They were now con-
vinced that the Spaniards were Teules — the mul-
titudes began to cry out that it was time to make
peace ; that the Spaniards were invincible. Anoth-
er fierce message came from Cortes, and the senate
was willing to have peace. Xicotencatl, in a
rage, refused for a long time to come to any terms ;
he was not used to being conquered ; but at last
his proud spirit bent, and he consented to lay down
his arms.
They were now at a loss to settle how they
should approach the Spanish chief ; they did not
know what to think of him. He must be gentle
and kind, for he sometimes released his prisoners
of war, contrary to their way of sacrificing and
eating them ; then again they thought he must be
cruel and bloodthirsty, for they remembered that
fifty spies sent out by Xicotencatl had once ap-
proached his camp too closely, and, by his order,
their hands were instantly cut off. Then, too, his
fierce messages, and the tremendous slaughter that
he had made among them, were calculated to
frighten them. At length, forty of their chief men
HERNAN CORTES. 73
were started off, loaded with a variety of presents,
some of which they hoped might please him,
whatever he might be. As they came near, one
of them advanced to Cortes, and said : " If you
are Teales, as it is said, and desire human sac-
rifices, take the flesh of these slaves and eat : shed
their blood and drink. If you are gods of a kind
nature, here is a gift of incense and feathers ; and
if you are men, we bring you meat and bread for
your nourishment." Soon after this, a large num-
ber of Tlascalans were seen approaching. Cortes
supposed that they were coming for purposes of
peace, yet instantly ordered his men to arms.
Four of them now came forward with marks of
profound respect, and offered him incense. They
came, on the part of the Tlascalan senate, to make
peace with him and his people. The Tlascalans
(they declared) had opposed them only because
they thought they were the friends of the cruel
tyrant Montezuma, and were now sorry for it :
they begged that they might be taken under the
protection of Cortes. The Spanish chief quickly
accepted their terms, and offered his protection
and. friendship to the whole republic. On the 23d
of September (thirty-four days after reaching their
territory), he triumphantly entered the city of Tlas-
cala, the capital of their empire.
It was fortunate for Cortes that the war was
thus ended, for some of his men were beginning
7
74 THE ADVENTURES OF
to be dissatisfied ; they had borne very cruel hard-
ships. Every night half of them were on guard,
while the other half only slept on their armor,
ready to start up at any cry of danger. Fifty-five
had perished since they entered the country, many
were sick with diseases of the climate, and many
were suffering from their wounds. Cortes was
himself unwell, though he did not confess it. The
number and fierceness of the Tlascalans, while it
surprised all, had alarmed some, and these lived in
the continual fear that they would be taken and
sacrificed to the gods. It is not surprising, there-
fore, that murmurings commenced, and that many
begged that they might return to Cuba. But when
the Tlascalans surrendered, all were animated
with new courage. Then the earnest friendship
and submission of the Tlascalans (for Cortes was
received very warmly in their capital) roused their
drooping spirits the more. It is said that these
Indians even reverenced the Spaniards now, saying
that they were born in heaven. Certain it is that
the horses and riders were looked upon as super-
natural monsters : they believed that these monsters
devoured men in battle, and that the neighing .of
the horses was their call for prey. Even when
all was explained to them, they still held this be-
lief. Their kindness and fears together drove
away all discontent from the murmurers. No man
HERNAN CORTES. 75
sighed longer for the home left behind : all were
greedy for the glory before them.
The submission of the Tlascalans prompted
Cortes to speak to them about giving up their re-
ligion, with all its bloody rites ; for, strange as it
may seem when we look at some of his acts, Cortes
never lost sight of the thought that the spread of
the gospel was a part of the business of his enter-
prise. The Tlascalans refused, saying that while
" the God of the Spaniards might be very great,
they trusted in the gods of their forefathers." Upon
this he was angry, and instantly prepared to carry
out such a plan as before in the temple at Chem-
poalla. But Father Olmedo entreated that this
might not be done. He declared that this was not
the way to spread the gospel, and that he had
looked on with horror at the scene in Chempoalla.
Alvarado, Velasquez de Leon, and Lugo joined in
the entreaty, and Cortes was at last persuaded not
to attempt it His anger, however, served one
good purpose. In the temples there were some
poor wretches kept in cages, fattening for sacri-
fices, and Cortes caused all these to be set free.
Having allowed his men sufficient time to rest
at Tlascala, Cortes determined to resume his march
for Mexico. Some Mexicans now came forward
and urged him to march through Cholula, a large
town, where he would be kindly received. But the
Tlascalans were opposed to this ; they declared
76 THE ADVENTURES OF
that the Cholulans were a treacherous people, de-
voted entirely to the interests of Montezuma, and
that he would necessarily find himself there in the
midst of enemies. Still Cortes resolved to pass
through Cholula. He was anxious to please the
Mexicans, and at the same time to teach the Tlas-
calans that he feared no enemy, whether concealed
or open. With six thousand Tlascalans, therefore,
in addition to his former numbers, he started for
Cholula.
This town of Cholula was greatly celebrated for
the temple of Quetzalcoatl that stood there. It was
looked upon as the most sacred temple of the em-
pire. Multitudes of pilgrims continually went
there, and the sacrifices were almost daily. It is
said that the Indians believed that this temple was
built over secret springs of water, and that by
pulling it down, these springs would burst forth
into great rivers, and flood the whole surrounding
country* Some have supposed that this belief
prompted the Mexicans to advise Cortes to go
there : the secret springs of Quetzalcoatl were to
be let loose, and prove the sure destruction of
himself and his army.
As Cortes came near this town, the chiefs and
priests marched out to meet him, bearing censers
in their hands, and accompanied by a band of
music. They received the Spaniards with pro^
* Torquemada ; Clavigero.
HERNAN CORTES. 77
found respect ; but when they saw the Tlascalans,
they told Cortes plainly that all might enter their
city except these, their old and bitter enemies.
Cortes did not object to this ; and at once ordering
the Tlascalans to remain encamped outside, with
great ceremony he entered Cholula. It was not a
great while now before he began to be dissatisfied,
and to suspect that the Tlascalans were right as to
the character of these people ; supplies of provis-
ions began to be scantily furnished, and at last the
Spaniards were left with nothing but wood and
water. Ere long, some of the Chempoallans came
to him and said that they had found secret pitfalls
near the Spanish camp. These were large holes
dug in the ground, having sharp stakes at the bot-
tom, and covered over loosely with earth. " Then
some of the Tlascalans entered the city in disguise,
and informed him that they had seen large num-
bers of women and children, loaded with valuable
things, leaving the city by night ; moreover, that
six children had just been sacrificed in the temple,
and this was a sure sign that the Cholulans in-
tended something. Besides this, they had observed
that many stones and darts had been collected on
the tops of the temples. All this roused his sus-
picions very strongly. At length, Dona Marina
came to him with certain information. She had
learned the whole plan of the conspiracy. It seems
that a Cholulan lady of high rank had become
7*
78 THE ADVENTURES OF
attached to her, and, desirous of saving Her life, told
her of the plot, that she might escape. Twenty
thousand Mexicans were at a short distance from
the city, ready at a certain signal to join the Cho-
lulans in the general massacre of the Spaniards.
Cortes instantly ordered some of the chief priests
to be seized ; and when they discovered that the
Spaniards, or Teules, as they called them, knew
everything, they confessed the whole. The en-
mity and treachery of the Cholulans were now
certain.
In his indignation and rage, at the first moment,
Cortes was at a loss what to do ; at the next, he
resolved upon signal vengeance. No time was
to be lost. His principal officers were at once
called together and told of the danger which threat-
ened them, and his determination to be revenged*
Some were for retreating to Tlascala, but most of
them were ready heart and hand to join Cortes in
his plan. He immediately ordered the Tlascalans
to storm the city at the dawn of the next day, and
to spare nothing but the women and children ; and
then informed the Cholulans that he intended to
resume his march on the following morning.
These last were greatly delighted on hearing
this, and they made haste to carry out their plot.
At the break of day, the chiefs, with forty Cholu-
lans, came into the open square in front of the
Spanish encampment, and presently an immense
HERNAN CORTES. 79
number of troops rushed in and joined them.
Cortes now mounted his horse and addressed
them, telling them of the blackness and extent of
their treachery. He knew all about it : the Span-
iards (he said) had entered their city under a
promise of friendship, and since their entrance
had not done one unkind act towards the Cholu-
lans ; that they had behaved peaceably, and in
every way proved that they meant no harm ; that
at their request he had even ordered a part of his
army (the Tlascalans) to keep outside of the city ;
and he now understood very well what they meant
by that request — it was only made to separate the
Spaniards from their friends, that they might the
more easily destroy them. " If (cried Cortes) you
had a natural hatred to men from whom you hack
received no wrong, why not oppose us manfully
and bravely in the field, like the Tlascalans, in-
stead of resorting to means so cowardly and so
treacherous to show your hatred and effect our de-
struction? The victory which your gods have
promised you, is beyond their power ; the bloody
sacrifices which you expected to offer up to them,
cannot be accomplished ; and the end of this dark
plot will only be to turn the intended ruin against
the guilty heads of its contrivers."
The chiefs were completely confounded ; they
did not deny what he said, but at once commenced
making excuses, saying that all was done by the
80 THE ADVENTURES OF
order of Montezuma. But Cortes would have no
excuse. He instantly ordered a musket to be fired ;
this was the signal to his men. The Spaniards
sprang upon them, and the slaughter commenced ;
the whole square was soon a scene of horror.
Multitudes were slain upon the spot, while some
who fled only fell into the hands of the enraged
Tlascalans, who were now pouring into the city.
Some rushed to the temple of Quetzalcoatl and
razed it to the ground, hoping that the waters
would burst out and drown the Spaniards. But
the rivers would not flow. They were in despair.
Other temples were filled with crowds, entreating
the gods to save them. The Spaniards now sal-
lied from their quarters, and swept the streets with
their artillery, literally piling them with the dead.
Then they rushed to the temples, and demanded
the poor wretches there to surrender. A proud
and scornful answer was sent back to the sum-
mons : the temples were soon wrapped in flames ;
the Spaniards pressed on, and fire and sword soon
completed the massacre. It is said that only one
man surrendered ; the rest choosing even to perish
in the flames, or to throw themselves from the
tops of the temples. Cholula was desolate: the
streets rolled with the blood of six thousand men ;
dead bodies and half-burnt corpses lay scattered
throughout them.
This horrid slaughter being ended, the Spaniards
HERNAN CORTES. 81
and Tlascalans now commenced plundering the
houses and stripping the temples of all that was
left. The savage ferocity of these last was almost
beyond bounds. At length the heart of Cortes was
moved with pity ; he looked upon the scene of
havoc with horror. He now ordered Xicotencatl,
who was there with twenty thousand men, to leave
the place, as he should need him no longer ; and
then issued his proclamation, promising pardon to
all who had escaped the massacre, and inviting
them to return to their homes. Some were now
seen creeping from the masses of the dead, where
they had lain wounded, and women and children
came in from the mountains where they had fled.
The Tlascalans were made to deliver up all their
prisoners, and peace was established between them
and the Cholulans, Cortes then appointed a brother
of the late Cacique (who had been killed in the
massacre) to rule over the city, and in sorrow de-
clared to the Cholulans who were left, that the
treacherous conduct of their people had alone
forced him to this terrible work of slaughter.
Well might Cortes be sorry for what was done.
Six thousand of his fellow-beings lay butchered be-
fore him.* All that can be said for him is, that he
may have thought his conduct necessary for his
own safety, and perhaps the Tlascalans carried
* It is idle for Antonio de Solis to attempt to justify the
action of Cortes ; it is not to be justified.
82 THE ADVENTURES OF
the slaughter further than he intended. Yet this,
which is all, is but a poor excuse for him. Per-
haps it was his sorrow which prompted him ear-
nestly to beg the Cholulans to leave off their bloody
sacrifices and receive the Christian religion, and
when they refused, to violate their temples no fur-
ther than by setting free the poor wretches fastened
in the cages for sacrifices.
HERNAN CORTES.
83
CHAPTER V.
remaining a fortnight
S^ FTER
at the unfortunate town of
Cholula, Cortes prepared to
march on ; but, before start-
up ing, called his officers togeth-
er, and determined upon send-
ing a messenger to Montezu-
ma, to tell him that he was
coming. The messenger was like-
wise directed to inform him that the
C Cholulans charged him with the
guilt of their conspiracy, but that
the Spanish general could not be-
lieve them, for he could not think that
he would thus attempt to murder men
" ^|§ who had done him no harm ; that he
had heard that Montezuma was a powerful king,
and thought if he had any unkind feeling towards
him, he would meet him boldly in the open field, and
not resort to the cowardly meanness of stratagem ;
moreover, that the Spaniards were ready for any
difficulty, whether their enemies were secret or
open.
84 THE ADVENTURES OF
The messenger found Montezuma very unhappy.
The news of the massacre at Cholula completely
overcame him. He could not think without hor-
ror of allowing the Spaniards to enter his capital ;
and yet (poor undecided man !) in his fright and
sorrow, he returned an answer, inviting Cortes to
visit his city, and solemnly declaring that he had
no part in the guilt of the Cholulans. The mes-
senger had scarcely left, before he began to mourn
bitterly over what he had done.
In the mean time, Cortes had left Cholula, and
was rapidly advancing towards Mexico. He met
with no opposition by the way. Wherever he
passed, the people cheered him on ; everywhere
he heard from them bitter complaints of the tyran-
ny of Montezuma, mingled with prayers that he
would deliver them. The Spaniards felt great
joy : they saw that the empire was divided ; that
the people, even in the very neighborhood of the
capital, were dissatisfied and ready to rise. Press-
ing on with renewed spirit, they at length reached
the top of Ithualco, when the beautiful valley of
Mexico burst upon their sight. Now they were
greatly delighted. As far as the eye could see,
rich meadows, cultivated fields, and beautiful for-
ests covered the plain. In the midst, like a sheet
of silver, lay the lake Tezcuco, skirted around with
pretty villages ; while from its centre rose glitter-
ing in the sun the lofty temples and turrets of the
HERNAN CORTES. 85
city of Mexico. They looked upon the country
which they had long panted to see, and felt that it
was as beautiful as they had expected.
While the Spaniards had thus inarched as far as
Ithualco, Montezuma was in the heaviest sorrow — .
still undecided — not knowing what to do. The
news of Cholula had so much overwhelmed him,
that he had gone to the palace of Tlillancalmecatl,
the place to which he always went when he would
mourn and pray. Here he remained eight days,
fasting, grieving, and going through with many re-
ligious services, to please the gods. From this
place he sent another messenger to Cortes, en-
treating him not to enter the city of Mexico, and
making him rich promises if he would comply with
his request. He would pay a yearly tribute to the
King of Spain, and he would give four loads of
gold to Cortes, and one to each of his men. The
messenger found Cortes at Ithualco, and delivered
his message ; but the Spanish chief only sent back
the old answer — that he must see Montezuma, and
deliver the message of his master Don Carlos.
Before his messenger had time to return, Monte-
zuma (with his fears greatly increased by the
dreams and traditions of which his priests had told
him) called in his brother Cuitlahuatzin, and his
nephew Cacamatzin, the lord of Tezcuco, to ad-
vise with them as to what he should do. His
brother urged that the Spaniards should not be
8
86 THE ADVENTURES OF
allowed to enter the city, while the nephew advised
that they should. The advice of the latter was
taken ; and the Emperor ordered him to go out and
meet the Spanish chief, and in his name to speak
to him very kindly. At the same time he told him,,
if it were possible, to dissuade Cortes from entering
the city.
Four noblemen were instantly started for Cortes,
to inform him that Cacamatzin, the lord of Tezcu-
co, and nephew of the great Montezuma, was
coming, and to beg that he would wait to receive
him. In a little time, Cacamatzin appeared upon
a splendid litter, borne by eight of his principal
men, and surrounded by a crowd of Mexicans and
Tezcucans. The Spaniards were wonderfully
struck with the richness of this litter. It was
adorned with jewels and pillars of gold, and from
every golden pillar there were branches of rich
green feathers. The noblemen helped Cacamat-
zin to alight, and then swept the ground before
him as he moved towards Cortes. The Spanish
chief received him with great respect ; but when
he spoke of Montezuma's wish, he received from?
Cortes the same stubborn answer that had always^
been given — that he must enter Mexico, and se-&
the monarch himself.
Without waiting longer, Cortes pressed on tow-
ards the capital, along the causeway of Iztapala-
pan. He pretended on the way that he had friend-
HERNAN CORTES. 87
iy feelings towards Montezuma, and expected to be
kindly received by him ; but at the same time was
very cautious, as he moved along, to avoid any
stratagem. At length he came to a place called
Xoloc, about half a league from the city, where
the main road to Mexico is met by that to Cojohu-
acan. At this place there was a fortress, crowned
with two towers. Here he found great numbers
of the people assembled to look upon him and his
companions, the strange beings of whom they had
heard so much. A long train of Mexican nobles,
clothed in their richest dresses, now came forward,
and passing before Cortes, made a low bow, at the
same time touching the ground and kissing their
hands. Passing this place, he had almost reached
the city, when messengers came out to inform him
that the great Montezuma was approaching. Pres-
ently, a long procession was seen. Three offi-
cers, each bearing a golden rod, walked before,
giving notice to the people that the monarch was
coming, while they instantly threw themselves
upon the ground, in token of respect. Montezuma
was next seen, sitting upon a splendid litter, borne
by four noblemen on their shoulders. Then came
two hundred noblemen, dressed in their rich cotton
mantles, and wearing large plumes on their heads.
These marched two by two, barefooted, with their
eyes cast down to the ground, afraid to look up in
the presence of the King. The Spaniards were
88 THE ADVENTURES OF
amazed at the scene ; Cacamatzin's appearance
was forgotten in the splendor of this. The litter
was covered with plates of gold, and surmounted
by a splendid canopy of green feathers, beautifully
ornamented with precious stones and golden
fringes, while Montezuma himself was dressed
most magnificently. He wore upon his head a
crown of gold ; upon his legs were gold buskins
filled with precious stones ; while, thrown loosely
over his shoulders, hung a mantle bespangled with
gold and gems. *As he came near the Spanish
chief, he was lifted from his litter, and borne upon
the arms of the lords of Tezcuco and Iztapalapan,
while the lords of Tacuba and Cojohuacan spread
cotton mantles upon the ground, that the great
King might not touch the earth with his feet.
Cortes now dismounted his horse, and came for-
ward with great respect, " addressing the King
with deep reverence, after the fashion of Europe."
Montezuma, following the fashion of his country,
returned his compliment by touching the ground
and then kissing it. Cortes then came near, and
threw around his neck a thin collar of gold, strung
with glass beads of different colors. This greatly
pleased the King. Cortes would then have em-
braced him, but the nobles of Montezuma held
him back.
This meeting raised the Spaniards greatly in
the esteem of the Mexicans. Thousands had
HERNAN CORTES. 89
assembled to see it : the whole causeway was cov-
ered with the crowd, while the tops of houses and
windows were filled with the multitude. Never
before had they seen their great Emperor Monte-
zuma do reverence to any man ; for the first time
in their lives, they saw him leave his palace, to
greet with kindness a band of stranoers. Natu-
rally enough, they now thought the Spaniards were
Teules, or deities indeed !
The feelings of the Spaniards were likewise
strange. It was now the eighth day of November
(seven months since their landing in the country),
and they had at length reached the rich and beau-
tiful city of Mexico. There it was, with its lofty
domes and turrets, its splendid houses, and great
masses of people. They felt already that they
were rich. But with all this, they could not help
thinking of other things. They were a band of
four hundred and fifty men only, far away from
home, in the heart of an unknown and populous
country ; they might enter that rich city only to be
borne down by the multitudes ; perhaps treachery
might destroy them ; the bridges of the causeways
might be lifted, and all chance of escape be for
ever cut off. Joy and anxiety filled their hearts.
They marched into the city more than a mile,
before they came to the place which Montezu-
ma had ordered to be made ready for their re-
ception. This was the old palace of King Axa-
90 THE ADVENTURES OF
jacatl, the father of Montezuma. Montezuma now
took Cortes by the hand, and leading him to a
large hall covered with tapestry and embroidered
with gold and gems, said to him, " Malitzin, you
and your companions are now in your own house i
refresh and rest yourselves until my return." He,.
with all the Mexicans, then left him.
Cortes found his quarters very comfortable :
there was ample room for all his men, as well as
his Indian allies. Montezuma had no sooner left,
than he began to examine them with great care, to
see that all was safe. He next ordered the artil-
lery to fire their guns, by way of frightening the
Mexicans, and then commenced putting his quar-
ters in a state of defence. Guns were fixed in
front of the gate, sentinels were posted round, and
his men were commanded to act with the same
prudence as though they were facing the camp of
an enemy.
In a little time, Montezuma returned in the same
splendid style as when he met Cortes on the cause-
way. He had brought with him rich presents
for the Spanish general, and remained some time
with him. It is said that he now told Cortes freely
of his fears as regards the Spaniards ; stating
that it was not a great while since his ancestors
came from the North, to rule the country only un-
til Quetzalcoatl, the great god and lawful king,
should return, and that these Spaniards (he be-
HERNAN CORTES. 91.
lieved) were his subjects. Cortes very artfully
encouraged this belief in him, because he knew it
would help his designs. At all events, he received
the presents very kindly from Montezuma, and
then talked to him of the greatness of his master
Don Carlos. He was the greatest monarch in the
world, and had sent him to make a treaty of friend-
ship with the great Emperor of Mexico. He
wished to alter certain laws and customs in his
kingdom, and to offer him a religion far better
than the bloody religion of Mexico. After the
talk, they parted seemingly good friends on both
sides.
The next day, Cortes, together with Alvarado,
Sandoval, Velasquez de Leon, and Ordaz, paid a
visit to Montezuma. They were received kindly,
and the three following days were appointed by the
Emperor for them to look at his capital. Their
first visit in the morning was to the great square
or market-place, Tlateloco. On one side, numbers
of slaves were exposed for sale ; on another, were
vegetables, fruits, &c. ; here were meats and poul-
try, and there were merchants selling all manner
of furniture. The whole place was crowded with
buyers and sellers, while perfect order was kept
throughout. Three judges sat at one end of the
square, while a number of officers moved through
the crowd, to prevent riot or confusion. There
were other small market-places scattered through-
92 THE ADVENTURES OF
out the city, containing fountains, fish-ponds, and
beautiful gardens ; but this was the principal place
for buying and selling in Mexico. From this
place they went to the great temple of Mexico,
passing through several large courts enclosed by
heavy double walls, and paved with white cut
stones. It seems that Montezuma, when he gave
them permission to visit the city, had been afraid
that the Spaniards might offer some violence to his
gods in the temple, and consequently had gone
there with many of his nobles. Cortes now met
him. There were one hundred and fourteen steps
to the temple — and Montezuma at once ordered
six priests to lift Cortes up ; but the Spaniard pre-
ferred walking up himself. When he reached the
top of the platform, there were several large stones
or altars for sacrificing, and at a little distance
stood a horrid figure of a dragon, besmeared with
blood. Montezuma came forward, and asked
Cortes to look down upon his city now. From
this high spot he could see everything : the whole
city and surrounding country lay spread out before
him. It was impossible to count the number of
boats passing all the time between Mexico and the
towns on the shore of the lake : and the crowds
below in the streets of the city surprised Cortes
more than ever. He now desired that he might
see the principal gods of the temple, and after talk-
ing with his priests, Montezuma consented. The
HERNAN CORTES. 93
Spaniards were now carried into a large hall, the
walls of which were smeared with blood, and the
roof curiously carved and ornamented. Here they
saw two altars, richly dressed, and behind them
the figures of two monstrous men. The face of
one of these images expressed terrible passion and
rage ; his body was ornamented with precious
stones, while an immense golden serpent was
coiled around him. On his neck there w r as a col-
lar, covered with heads and hearts wrought in gold.
In his right hand he held a bow, in his left a bun-
dle of arrows. Before him was a large fire, in
which Cortes saw at the moment three humaa
hearts burning. This was Huitzilopochtli, the god
of war. By the side of the god, there was stand-
ing a little image, bearing a beautifully ornamented
lance and shield : this was the page of the god.
The other large figure had a face like a bear, with
great shining eyes. In the fire before him there
were five hearts. This was Tezcatlipoca, the god
of providence, and brother of Huitzilopochtli. Next,
on the top of the temple, he was shown the great
religious drum. This was an immense drum, cov-
ered with the skin of a serpent. When this drum
was struck, the doleful sound, it is said, could be
heard for two leagues. Then they showed him
the large knives for sacrifices, reeking with fresh
blood, together with the horns and trumpets of the
temple. Cortes now turned away in disgust, and
94 THE ADVENTURES OF
demanded of Montezuma why he worshipped such
monstrous idols, and allowed his people to be
butchered before them. The King was very
angry : he declared that Cortes should never have
entered the temple, had he supposed that he would
thus insult the gods. In a rage, he cried out —
" Go, go hence, while I remain to appease the
wrath of the gods, whom you have justly provoked
by your blasphemous words !"
Cortes, with his companions, now passed out to
a tower that was near by. At the entrance, which
was always open, there were many idols, resem-
bling serpents and other loathsome beasts. Upon
entering, the Spaniards found in one part of the
building piles of wood near a large reservoir of
water, together with pots of water ready to boil
the flesh of victims who were sacrificed, as food
for the priests. In another part, were the tombs
of the Mexican nobles ; in another, were seen im-
mense piles of human bones, curiously but regu-
larly laid up. As in the temple, so in this tower
priests were moving about in their long black man-
tles, with their ears cut and torn, and their long
hair clotted with blood.
When Cortes again returned to his quarters, the
Tlascalans came around him, talking earnestly of
what they had often talked before — the treachery
of Montezuma. They declared that he and his
people were all crafty and treacherous : they knew
HERMAN CORTES. 95
them well ; that the kind reception given to the
Spaniards was only intended to deceive them ; and
that they believed they had been allowed to enter
the city only that the bridges of the causeways
might be lifted, all chance of escape cut off, and
the whole of them be thus massacred. Moreover,
that the Emperor was a fickle and uncertain man.
Even if he was their friend now, he was likely, in
some moment of passion, without any cause, to be-
come their bitterest enemy. This increased the
alarm which Cortes already felt about the same
thing, for it was no news to him that Montezuma
was treacherous. His own soldiers were ignorant
of the fact, but Cortes perfectly understood it.
Whatever Montezuma might say as to his inno-
cence in the affair at Cholula, Cortes knew that
he had made an effort to destroy his colony at
Villa Rica. This he heard at Cholula, but care-
fully kept it from his men, fearful of discouraging
them.*
It seems that after Cortes left that settlement,
Montezuma sent to Quauhpopoca (the lord of Nauh-
tlan, a city on the coast) his secret orders to sub-
due the Totonacas, and punish them for their
friendship to the Spaniards. The chief immedi-
ately attacked all their settlements. The poor
Totonacas applied to the Spaniards at Villa Rica
to help them. Juan de Escalante, who had charge
* This may help to explain the horrid massacre of Cholula.
96 THE ADVENTURES OF
at the post, instantly sent his orders to Quauhpo-
poca to cease troubling these Indians. Upon this,
Quauhpopoca sent back for answer, that " if the
Spaniards were disposed to take up the cause of
the Totonacas, he was ready to meet them in the
plains of Nauhtlan." Juan de Escalante now went
out to meet him with fifty Spaniards, two thousand
Totonacas, two cannons, and two horses. At the
first attack of the Mexicans, the Totonacas fled.
In spite of numbers, Escalante and his little band
continued the fight : with their cannons, forced
the Mexicans from the field, pursuing them and
cutting many to pieces as far as the city of Nauh-
tlan. The victory was theirs, but they paid for it
dearly : seven Spaniards and one horse were killed,
and the brave Escalante, who was severely wound-
ed, died three days afterward. One Spanish pris-
oner was taken, badly wounded. Fortunately, he
died of his wounds, and thereby escaped being
sacrificed. Quauhpopoca caused his head to be cut
off, and after carrying it in triumph through many
cities, to show the people that the Spaniards might
be killed as well as others, at last sent it as a
present to Montezuma.
Cortes had felt a deep sorrow for the death of
Escalante ; and the recollection of the cause of it,
•together with the suspicions of the Tlascalans, in-
duced him now to seek some of his Indians whom
he supposed were not prejudiced, and to inquire
HERNAN CORTES. 97
of them if they had seen anything like treachery
on the part of the Mexicans. These thought that
the common people showed no signs of it, but they
were doubtful about others. Some of the nobles
had been overheard saying that it would be an
easy thing to break down the bridges on the cause-
ways. It was likewise reported that Montezuma
had' seen the head of a Spaniard that had been
sent to him by one of his generals, and then or-
dered it to be secretly taken away, that it might
not be known to Cortes. This was, no doubt, the
head of the poor Spaniard sent by Quauhpopoca.
Cortes was now greatly alarmed ; he felt assured
that treachery was at work. With a heart full of
anxiety, he went to his quarters, where he spent
the whole night walking to and fro over the floor.
A thousand plans floated through his mind : none
pleased him ; yet it was necessary to act promptly
and decidedly. At last a thought crossed him, the
very boldness of which made even Cortes shudder.
His plan was formed. He would seize Montezu-
ma himself, and make him a prisoner. This would
secure his safety ; the Mexicans would hardly at-
tempt any act of violence when the life of their
King was in his hands. He and his brave com-
panions might perish in the attempt, but it were
better to die in it than to be cut to pieces retreat-
ing, or be massacred in the streets of Mexico.
The next morning, by his command, all his officers
9
98 THE ADVENTURES OF
were assembled. Cortes now told them of the
danger which threatened them. He declared that
Montezuma was treacherous-; the affair at Villa
Rica, and consequent death of Escalante, plainly
showed it ; that even now his treachery was at
work ; the Tlascalans had suspected it, but it was
now proved ; his nobles had been overheard, se-
cretly talking of breaking down the bridges. For
his part, he was resolved upon what he would do.
The danger was great, the remedy hazardous ; but
he would die or accomplish it. He would seize
Montezuma, and bring him a prisoner to his quar-
ters. The officers were startled by this bold de-
claration. Some cried out that it was impossible :
if undertaken, it would prove the sure destruction
of all the Spaniards ; others thought it best to re-
treat back to Villa Rica as fast as they could ; but
Velasquez de Leon and Sandoval agreed with
their leader, saying that it could and must be done.
The matter was talked over a long time, until at
last they all agreed that the plan of Cortes should
be executed at all hazards.
Cortes now proceeded with great prudence. It
would not do to march with his soldiers in a body
to the palace of the King : this would at once
rouse the Mexicans. He chose, therefore, Alva-
rado, Sandoval, Velasquez de Leon, Lugo, and
Davila, five of his best tried officers, together with
five of his bravest soldiers, to accompany him..
HERNAN CORTES. 99
Twenty-five picked men were to follow on at in-
tervals, strolling along as though they were brought
to the palace by accident. Christoval dc Olid and
Diego de Ordaz were placed in command of all the
soldiers left behind, with orders to be ready to
rush out at the first alarm.
He now marched to the palace. Without sus-
picion, he was admitted, and received kindly by
the King. In a little time, Cortes began, in a
very severe way, to upbraid him about the conduct
of Quauhpopoca. It was by his advice (he said)
that his people at Villa Rica had been disturbed.
He believed now that he was also guilty of con-
triving the plot of Cholula, and was sorry to find
so great a monarch acting so meanly. He had
not spoken of this before, from motives of prudence,
but now that he had discovered another plot pre-
paring in Mexico, he came to assure him that he
should protect his men at all hazards. When Dona
Marina and Aguilar interpreted the language of the
general, Montezuma changed color, and was for
some time speechless. At length he spoke, sol-
emnly declaring that he was innocent. He had
given no orders to Quauhpopoca to trouble the
Spaniards. Then taking from his wrist the signet
of Huitzilopochtli, he gave it to some of his officers,
with a positive command to seize Quauhpopoca and
bring him to Mexico. Ccrtes now expressed him-
jself well pleased ; in his own mind (he said) he was
100 THE ADVENTURES OF
satisfied of his innocence. But the Spaniards
were dissatisfied and alarmed, and ready to rise.
One thing alone he believed could pacify them,
and make them feel perfectly safe : that was, for
Montezuma to leave his palace, and take up his
abode in the Spanish quarters. Montezuma was
now enraged ; he could scarcely speak. He cried
out, that he would never thus humble himself ; that
the Kings of Mexico were not used to surrender-
ing themselves prisoners without a struggle ; and
if he were base enough to do so, his people would
rise in a mass. Cortes, in reply, expressed his
surprise that the King should think himself a pris-
oner, for removing to the Spanish quarters ; that it
Was only returning to the palace of his old father
Axajacatl, and that the Mexicans could neither be
alarmed nor surprised at it. But no persuasion
could move him ; he was firmly resolved not to go.
Velasquez de Leon, seeing his resolution, now
cried out very angrily, " Why should we waste
more time in words ? He must yield himself our
prisoner, or we will forthwith stab him to the heart!
Let us secure our lives, or perish at once." His
fierce and threatening manner startled Montezuma.
He turned to Dona Marina, and asked what that
fierce Spaniard meant. She at once answered,
" Prince, I am your subject, and am anxious for
your safety ; but, as the friend of these strangers,
I know their characters. Yield to their request,.
HERNAN CORTES. 101
and they will treat you with every kindness ; re-
fuse it, and they will not hesitate to take your life."
Montezuma was now completely subdued, and
readily consented to go. " Let us, then, depart to
your quarters," he said ; " the gods have decreed it
so, and I trust myself to your honor." Cortes now
caused him to call some of his lords, and inform
them that it was his choice and pleasure to make
his home in the Spanish quarters. He was then
placed upon his splendid litter, and carried from
his palace. The Mexicans, hearing what was
done, were greatly roused : they thought the Span-
iards were stealing away their King, and made
awful threats against them. But when they saw
the litter passing through the streets, surrounded
by the officers of the Emperor, and Montezuma
waved his hand to them in token of command,
they were at once satisfied and quiet.
9*
102
THE ADVENTURES OF
CHAPTER VI
N a little time, Montezuma
became quite satisfied in the
Spanish quarters. He was
treated as the King of Mexi-
co, and his government went
on as usual. His chiefs were
allowed to visit him, and his
nobles served up for him his
splendid feasts as before in his own
palace. It is said, that after feast-
ing, he would frequently send what
was left as a present to the Span-
ish soldiers. They shared his
kindness in another way. He be-
came very fond of Cortes and Alvarado,,
and amused himself by playing with
them a game called bodoque, and all his winnings
at the game were given to the soldiers. Naturally
enough, this kindness, together with the commands
of Cortes, induced the men to treat him with great
respect. Cortes was very strict on this point ; he-
had one of his men, on one occasion, severely-
whipped, for using rude words toward the mon-
HERNAN CORTES. 103
arch. Montezuma was also allowed to visit the
temple, and go out upon the chase sometimes ; but
on these occasions he was always attended by a
body of Spaniards, to prevent his being rescued.
Though a prisoner, he was still the King, and felt
happy.
This happiness did not last long, however. At
the end of a fortnight, Quauhpopoca and some of
his companions in the attack on Escalante were
brought prisoners to Mexico. Though a prisoner,
Quauhpopoca was borne upon a splendid litter like
a conquering hero. He at once sought Montezu-
ma, and presented himself before him as one who
had faithfully obeyed his orders. To his surprise
and confusion, the King treated him coldly, and
ordered him to be delivered immediately to Cortes.
He was now put to the torture, and confessed that
all he had done was by command of his King. A
court, made up of Spaniards, then tried him, and
condemned him to be burnt alive. Cortes went
now to Montezuma, and told him of the confession
of Quauhpopoca, and the punishment he was to
suffer ; adding, very sternly, that he too would be
put to death but for his late acts of kindness : his
life would be spared, but that he was not to escape
all punishment for his treachery. With that, he
ordered a Spaniard, who had brought a pair of iron
fetters along, to fasten them upon the legs of Mon-
tezuma. It was instantly done, and Cortes left
104 THE ADVENTURES OF
iiim, to punish Quauhpopoca. The poor King of
Mexico was confounded and speechless. His no-
bles who attended him clung to his fetters, and
wept bitterly.
Cortes now gathered a large quantity of bows,
arrows, and darts, from the Mexican armory, and
caused an immense fire to be made of them directly
in front of Montezuma's palace. Quauhpopoca and
three other chiefs (some say fifteen others) soon per-
ished in the flames. Thousands of Mexicans looked
calmly upon the scene ; no resistance was made,
for they thought it was all done by the command
of the King. This horrible act being ended, Cortes
again went to Montezuma, spoke kindly to him,
and with his own hands took off his fetters. To
carry his kindness further, he now told him that
he was at liberty, and might return, if he pleased,
to his own palace. This last was only a pretence
of kindness, for Cortes knew very well that Mon-
tezuma dared not go. The people had just seen
the death of the brave general Quauhpopoca, and
Montezuma knew that he would probably suffer
for the guilt of it.
Though the Mexicans made no resistance at the
time, the insolent bearing of the Spaniards, before
the very palace of their King, had roused the an-
ger of many. The proud spirit of Cacamatzin,
the lord of Tezcuco, was greatly excited. He at
once gathered together a body of the nobles at
HERNAN CORTES. 105
Tezcuco, and they resolved to declare war upon
the Spaniards. They were quickly busy in making
their preparations, and the rumor of their intentions
soon spread. Cortes began to feel alarmed for his
safety, and Montezuma began to be startled with
the thought of losing his crown ; for, with the ru-
mors, came the story that Cacamatzin intended to
seize the reins of government, thinking that his
uncle had disgraced both himself and the empire.
They both sent messengers to Cacamatzin, com-
manding him to leave off his warlike preparations ;
but Cacamatzin only sent back this proud answer :
" That his country was disgraced ; that the Span-
iards could no longer deceive or frighten him ;
they must leave Mexico, and return to their own
country, or take the storm that was gathering.'*
Cortes now proposed to march out and attack him.
Montezuma, however, advised him not to do this,
stating that Tezcuco was a strongly-fortified city,
the second in the empire, and he would only per-
ish in the attempt. He sent, therefore, another
message to his nephew, inviting him to come up to
the capital and visit him, at which time all diffi-
culties might be happily settled. Cacamatzin was
now more indignant than ever : he declared to his
followers that his uncle was more a friend to the
strangers than to his own people. He sent for
answer this time, that he would come to the capi-
tal, but not to waste words in idle talk : he would
106 THE ADVENTURES OF
come to destroy the Spaniards. Finding his
nephew thus resolute, Montezuma now determin-
ed to make him a prisoner. He took his signet
from his arm, and giving it to some of his nobles,
commanded them secretly to seize his rebel ne-
phew, and bring him a prisoner to Mexico. His
order was soon carried out. In a little time, the
nobles returned, bringing Cacamatzin. Montezu-
ma rebuked him, and then delivered him to Cortes.
He was at once thrown into prison, and his brother
Cuitcuitzcatzin sent out in splendid style to take
charge of the province of Tezcuco.
Made bold by his success in this matter, Cortes
now resolved that Montezuma should declare
himself subject to the King of Spain. He went
to him, and told him that it was his desire
that he should acknowledge the authority of the
King of Spain over him, and subject his king-
dom to a yearly tribute in token of dependance.
The poor captive monarch, in great sorrow, soon
assented to this. He called all his lords and
nobles together in a great hall in the Spanish quar-
ters. With sobs and tears, he reminded them of
the old tradition that the sons of Quetzalcoatl were
to come and rule the Mexican empire ; that he held
it, as they knew, only till that time ; the time was
now come ; the Spaniards (he believed) were the
sons of Quetzalcoatl, and he was ready to recog-
nise the title of the King of Spain over his domin-
HERNAN CORTES. 107
ions. His chiefs and lords heard this declaration
in silent grief ; yet they gave their consent ; for,
like the King, they believed the tradition : they
were afraid to resist. Montezuma informed Cortes
that on the next day they would all swear alle-
giance to the Spanish King. Accordingly, on the
day following, it was done in the presence of all the
Spanish officers, and even their hearts (it is said)
were moved when they witnessed the sorrow of
Montezuma as he took that oath.
One step led on to another. Cortes next re-
solved to persuade him that it was right and proper
that his empire should send a rich present of jew-
els, gold, and silver, to the King of Spain. It was
soon done. To this also he assented : he brought
forward his own treasures liberally, at the same
time sending commands to all his lords throughout
the kingdom to bring in their portions. Within
twenty days, an amount equalling six hundred
thousand dollars, besides jewels, was collected at
Mexico. Cortes now proceeded to divide this
treasure. One fifth part was for the King of
Spain ; one fifth part for himself ; from the balance
was to be taken what he, Velasquez, and others,
had expended in fitting out the expedition ; and
then the remainder was to be equally divided
among the men, according to their rank. The
soldiers were dissatisfied with this division, espe-
cially the part given to the King of Spain, who
108 THE ADVENTURES OF
had never aided them in any way in the enterprise ;
but Cortes managed to pacify them by giving se-
cret presents to some, and offering promises and
prospects to all.
The Spanish chief had rolled upon a tide of for-
tune thus far ; but now it began to turn. Matters had
come to such a pass, that some of the Mexican no-
bles, forgetting their traditions and their fears, began
seriously to think of forcing the Spaniards from
Mexico. Their King was a captive, Quauhpopoca
murdered, Cacamatzin in prison, their gods insult-
ed, and the whole country, in fact, under the con-
trol of strangers. This was more than could be
borne. They began to hold secret meetings, and
sometimes to meet Montezuma secretly. Matters
were freely talked over : the priests, who hated
the Spaniards, threw in their advice, and all this
ended in a solemn resolution that the Spaniards
should leave the city. They were afraid, how-
ever, to attack them openly, so long as Montezuma
was in their possession. They were to be got
off peaceably, if possible, and therefore another
plan was adopted. Montezuma sent for Cortes,
and told him that " he had already been in his
capital six months, and there was no reason in his
remaining any longer. He wished him, therefore,
to depart as speedily as possible. His priests, his
nobles, and his people were all dissatisfied, and
determined that the Spaniards should no longer re-
HERNAN CORTES. 109
main in the land. Moreover, that it was the will
of the gods that the strangers who had insulted
them should be expelled, or sacrificed." This
was said very sternly by the King, and Cortes,
who had heard that a conspiracy was at work*
felt that it must be strong when Montezuma could
speak to him so boldly. He knew, too, if the
Mexicans did rise against him, it was death to his
hopes. He very artfully, therefore, answered the
King that his demand was very reasonable ; that
he had himself already thought of leaving Mexico.
He could not, however, leave immediately ; his
ships had been destroyed, and it was necessary to
build new ones. He hoped the Mexicans would
allow him time to make his preparations. Mon-
tezuma was greatly pleased. The thought of
his departure was real joy to him. He embraced
Cortes, and promised him not only time to make
his preparations, but that he would assist him in
making them. He sent out his order that some
of his men should at once go to the woods to cut
timber for the Spaniards, and that some of his car-
penters should set to work in helping them to build
their ships. Cortes left Montezuma feeling very
happy himself ; he saw he had deceived the King :
she had no thought of leaving the country, and was
hoping, during the time allowed him, that he might
gain strength in some way to meet any difficulty.
At the end of a week, however, ships appeared on
10
110 THE ADVENTURES OF
the coast. Montezuma, hearing of this, sent for
him again, and told him there was no necessity for
his remaining any longer to build his vessels ; ships-
were off the coast, and he must start immediately.
Cortes felt more joy than sorrow. The news
of the ships delighted him ; he thought instantly
of Portocarrero and Montejo,the messengers whom
he had sent to Spain to get the authority of Don
Carlos. Nine months had passed away since they
left him ; he had looked for them eagerly before,,
and supposed they had now arrived with fresh
troops to help him in his conquest. In this he
was sadly disappointed. The truth was, that his
very messengers had betrayed him. Contrary to
their positive orders, they had stopped at Cuba, on
their way to Spain. Portocarrero being sick, Mon~
tejo had forced the pilot, Alaminos, to touch at
Havana, under pretence of getting supplies from
his estate. The ship had no sooner cast anchor,
than he sent a sailor ashore with letters to Velas-
quez. The Governor was more enraged than
ever ; from that moment, he had used all his efforts
to ruin Cortes. The eighteen ships on the coast
were under the command of Pamphilo de Narvaez,
and he had been sent out by him, at the head of
eight hundred soldiers, with positive orders to seize
Cortes and his principal officers, and send them
prisoners to Cuba. It was not long before Cortes,
understood the whole.
HER NAN CORTES. Ill
Narvaez had made a landing on the coast of
Chempoalla, and was soon joined by three Span-
ash deserters. These told him that Cortes was in
a forlorn and wretched condition, and might easily
be taken. Narvaez was made bold by such news.
He immediately sent off Guevara, a priest, with a
company, to Sandoval (who was commanding at
Villa Rica since the death of Escalante)., to de-
mand that he should surrender that place. San-
doval refused to do so, and when the priest proved
insolent, told him that his sacred order alone pro-
tected him. Upon this, Guevara was very angry:
the quarrel became high, and Sandoval seized him
and his companions, and sent them prisoners to
Mexico. Upon their arrival there, Cortes very
prudently received them kindly ; he took off their
fetters, expressed himself sorry for the conduct of
Sandoval, made them many rich presents, and in
'this way completely won them over as friends.
They now talked to him freely of Narvaez and
the strength of his forces : said that he had de-
clared to the Indians that Cortes was a traitor and
tyrant, keeping their King a prisoner, and that he
was sent out by the King of Spain to set them
free. They stated, too, that Montezuma was send-
ing secret messages to him, and that several of the
Mexican provinces had openly declared in his favor.
Cortes was now in a very dangerous and trying
position. It was idle for him to march out and
5*
112 THE ADVENTURES OF
meet Narvaez with all his fresh and numerous
troops ; to release Montezuma, and attempt to re-
treat from Mexico, would prove sure destruction ;
to remain where he was, in an enemy's city, and
wait for Narvaez to attack him, would prove equally
unsafe. His courage, however, did not forsake
him. He was resolved upon one thing — that he
would never leave as a prisoner the country that
he had entered as a conqueror, and never allow
another to reap the glory which he thought he had
earned. Narvaez was, he supposed, his most dan-
gerous enemy, and he turned his thoughts towards
him. He made up his mind that before long he
must come to a battle with him, but, in the mean
time, he would try to win him as a friend : if he
failed in that, he would try to break up his strength
by bringing over some of his officers. He selected,
as the messenger whom he would send to him,
Father Olmedo, whose prudence he had tried be-
fore this. He was to propose terms of friendship ;
if he failed in carrying this point, he was to use
his arts in making friends in his army. Accord-
ingly, Olmedo was sent off with letters to Nar-
vaez and some of his officers — among the rest,
Andres de Duero, the old friend of Cortes, who
was fortunately one of them — together with many
rich presents for them from Cortes.
Narvaez received him with great scorn. He de-
clared that he would soon cut off the head of the
HERNAN CORTES. 113
traitor Cortes, and put all his followers to death.
It was in vain that Father Olmedo reasoned with
him, telling him that the Spaniards were brothers ;
that the glory of their common country required
that they should turn their forces against the Mexi-
cans, and that Cortes was ready to do so. Nar-
vaez would hear no terms of peace whatever.
Finding that he failed in this point, Olmedo re-
membered the other. He mingled with the men,
talked with them freely, delivered the rich presents
of Cortes, and soon won over some of the officers.
Fortunately, just at this time, Guevara and his com-
panions returned. They talked loudly of the gen-
erosity of Cortes, and the glory that was before
the Spaniards, if they would only join forces ; de-
claring that no better leader could be found than
Cortes, and that it was a shame to take the com-
mand from him after all his perils. Narvaez, only
the more enraged at all this, ordered Guevara never
again to speak to him of terms of friendship be-
tween him and Cortes, and immediately issued his
proclamation, declaring Cortes and all his follow-
ers rebels to Don Carlos, and traitors to their
country.
Upon Olmedo's return, Cortes felt at once that
he was to have a struggle with Narvaez, and that
the sooner it was met the better. Leaving one
hundred and fifty of his men, therefore, at Mexico,
under the command of Alvarado, with particular
10*
114 THE ADVENTURES OF
instructions to guard Montezuma closely, he started
with the remainder of his forces to meet him.
What he most feared was the cavalry of Narvaez.
To enable his soldiers to meet these, he sent To-
billa to Chinantla to get from the Cacique three
hundred of the long spears used by his warriors
in battle. He pushed on very rapidly towards
Chempoalla, having no baggage or artillery to de-
lay him. At Tapanacuetla (a village thirty miles
from that place), he was joined by Sandoval and
his men from Vera Cruz. His whole force now
amounted only to two hundred and fifty men ; yet
they were brave men, ready to face any danger.
Determined, if possible, not to shed the blood of
his countrymen, Cortes once more sent Father 01-
medo to bring Narvaez to terms of peace. Again
he was received with scorn, and again set himself
to the work of intriguing with the men. Another
messenger was now sent ; this was Velasquez de
Leon. It seems that Narvaez had counted surely
upon his friendship, remembering that he was a
kinsman to Velasquez, and had written him a let-
ter, urging him to join him. This Velasquez de
Leon had very proudly and indignantly refused to
do. Cortes was greatly delighted with this proof
of his friendship ; and thinking it would help his
cause, now sent De Leon also a messenger to
Narvaez. He was received with great attention.
Narvaez made him brilliant offers : he should be
HERNAN CORTES. „ 115
second in command, and earn great glory, if h@
would only abandon Cortes. Velasquez de Leon
again refused, declaring that he would die, sooner
than desert such a noble commander as Cortes ;
that he had already earned great glory for his
country ; and as he had begun the conquest, he
was the best man to finish it. Narvaez and some
of his officers were now very angry, and spoke
abusively of Cortes and his followers. This was
more than De Leon could brook ; he was enraged
at hearing his brave companions thus spoken of,
and laid his hand upon his weapon. Fortunately,
some of the more prudent Spaniards came forward
at this moment, and urged him and Father Olmeda
to leave the camp. They left, but many friends
were left behind them. The soldiers of Narvaez
had begun to look upon their leader as obstinate
and stubborn. The messengers had scarcely gone,
when, in a rage, he offered a reward of two thou-
sand crowns for the heads of Cortes and Sandoval.
Hearing, too, that Cortes had been bold enough to
come within a league of Chempoalla, he at once
set his army in motion to give him a battle.
Fortunately for Cortes, one of Narvaez' men de-
serted his camp, and informed him of what was
done. Narvaez had drawn up his whole army in
a large plain near Chempoalla, and determined
there to wait for him. Cortes was not so imprudent
as to meet him there with his little handful of
116 THE ADVENTURES OF
men. He kept quiet, therefore, on the other side
of the river Canoas, which runs near Chempoalla,
determined to wait for some better opportunity. A
heavy fall of rain now set in, and the soldiers of
Narvaez, unaccustomed to hardships, began to
murmur and complain. It was idle, they said, to
remain in such a storm ; Cortes and his few follow-
ers would not dare to approach them at such a time.
Some of the officers joined with them, and per-
suaded Narvaez to take them back to their quar-
ters in Chempoalla. Having carried them back
he posted two sentinels at the ford of the river to
watch the enemy, and sent a number of horsemen
to keep a lookout upon the road leading to the
town, and to move around his quarters. In the
mean time, Cortes and his little army stood
drenched in the rain without a murmur ; every
man seemed happy and contented. Naturally sup-
posing that Narvaez and his men would be weary
and unsuspicious of his approach after such a day,
he determined to attack them at midnight, while
they were all in their quarters. Accordingly, he
called his little band around him, told them of his
design, and made a stirring speech to them. He
spoke of the sufferings and dangers they had borne,
the victories they had won, and the glorious pros-
pects before them ; and now he said they had been
declared rebels and traitors by their unnatural
countryman Narvaez. As he went on, he was in-
HERNAN CORTES. 117
terruptcd by the shouts of the soldiers ; and when
he finished, they all declared that they would fol-
low such a leader for ever. Some went so far (it
is said) as to swear they would kill Cortes if
he tried again to make peace with Narvaez. He
thanked them for their love, and warmly praised
their courage. His little army was now divided
into three parties. The command of the first was
given to Sandoval. This had the most difficult
duty to perform : it was to seize the artillery of the
enemy, and Cortes placed in it, therefore, some of
his picked men. The second division was in-
trusted to Christoval de Olid : he was to storm the
town, and take possession of Narvaez. Cortes
himself led the third party : this was to act as a
body of reserve, and rush to the support of either
party that required it. The rain had swollen the
river so much, that it was dangerous to pass it ;
yet, with the waters rising to their breasts, they
all crossed the ford. Every man being armed
with his sword, dagger, and spear, they now moved
on silently and in regular order. The guard in
advance fortunately caught one of the sentinels,
but the other fled to the city and gave the alarm.
This caused Cortes to move on more rapidly. But
Narvaez would not believe the sentinel ; he thought
it impossible that Cortes should be moving on such
a night, and rebuked him as a coward who had
been frightened. No horsemen were seen to in-
118 THE ADVENTURES OF
ferrupt him on the road (they were probably tired,
and had taken shelter from the rain), and thus
Cortes reached at midnight, unobserved, the prin-
cipal temple of Chempoalla, where Narvaez held
his quarters. A long row of artillery guarded
the entrance to the temple, but no time was to be
lost. Cortes gave the signal for attack. Sando-
val and his brave followers rushed forward so
fiercely, that the enemy only fired three guns,
when they were forced to take to their other wea-
pons. He now drove them back from their guns,
and, amid a shower of arrows and balls, began to
press his way up the steps of the temple. Num-
bers poured out and crowded the steps ; still San-
doval kept the guns, and maintained his ground at
great hazard, in spite of all opposition. Narvaez
was not idle ; he was up, and rallying his men.
Christoval de Olid and Cortes now rushed to the
assistance of Sandoval, bearing down everything
before them. Sandoval reached the temple-door,
and tried to burst it open, but failed. In the mean
time, one of the soldiers had fired the tower : it
was in a blaze ; multitudes were rushing from it.
Sanchez Farzan, one of the soldiers, now struck
Narvaez with his spear. He instantly fell, was
seized, dragged down the steps, and fastened with
fetters. The news was soon spread that Narvaez
was dead : shouts of victory rang through the air ;
his followers were confounded. His soldiers in
HERNAN CORTES. 119
the two smaller towers were in the greatest confu-
sion. In their fright and consternation, they even
took the fire-flies, in the darkness, to be soldiers'
matches ; all was despair. In spite of the entrea-
ties of Diego Velasquez and Salvatierra, they laid
down their arms and surrendered. The battle was
ended ; the prisoners were all put under the charge
of Sandoval, who had^them carried to a safe place,
under a guard of picked soldiers.
The next morning found Cortes a conqueror,
seated on a chair, surrounded by all his brave
officers. The conquered officers passed before
him, and kissed his hand. Right glad were they
to make a friend of him now. He now sent Lugo
to the fleet to bring off the pilots and sailors, and
then to dismantle the ships, to prevent any one
from returning to Cuba. Next he ordered all the
prisoners to be set free, except Narvaez and Sal-
vatierra, and then offered to send them all back to
Cuba, or take them as his soldiers. The men had
seen his bravery : they now saw his generosity ;
his followers, too, seemed to have plenty of ^old
and trinkets ; and, almost to a man, they consented
to join him. They felt that glory was before
them, and that Cortes was the commander to lead
them on. He was now fairly at the head of an
army, together with one hundred horses, plenty of
ammunition, and abundance of military stores.
120
THE ADVENTURES OF
CHAPTER VII.
CARCEJjY was the victory
won, when a courier arrived
in hot haste from Alvarado.
The Mexicans had risen in
the capital ; two brigantines,
which Cortes had built to com-
mand the lake, were destroyed,
— seven Spaniards had been
killed, — and Alvarado was now
closely besieged in his quarters.
Cortes was greatly startled by these
sad tidings. He knew that the force
of Alvarado, though brave, was
small, and instantly commenced prepa-
rations for his departure. In the midst
of these, two other messengers arrived,
heaping curses upon Alvarado, declaring that his
rashness and folly alone had brought about this
disaster.
It seems that Cortes had scarcely left Mexico,
when the inhabitants of that city began to think
of attacking his countrymen. They knew that he
HERNAN CORTES. 121
was the great leader of trie Spaniards, and thought
that during his absence they might rescue Monte-
zuma, and revenge themselves thoroughly. Many
secret meetings had been held by them for the
purpose of completing their plans, 'and all was
nearly ripe for action, when the Spaniards discov-
ered the plot. They were all greatly enraged :
none more so than. their leader Alvarado. Still
they behaved prudently ; and, but for the hasty
violence of Alvarado, all might for some time
have been kept quiet. The principal festival of
the Mexicans (that of Huitzilopochtli, the god of
war) came on just at this time. At this festival,
which was always celebrated with great magnifi-
cence, it was customary for the King, the nobles,
the priests, and the people, to join in certain dances.
The nobles, having requested Alvarado to allow
Montezuma to join them, and been refused, pre-
pared now to keep the festival without him. The
Mexicans had all assembled in the large court of
the great temple, the dancing and singing had com-
menced, when Alvarado (thinking this a fit occa-
sion for striking terror in the hearts of the con-
spirators) ordered his soldiers out, and rushed
furiously upon them. So sudden was the attack,
that numbers of the Indians were at once massa-
cred. In a little time, however, they rallied, and
prepared for a desperate revenge. Nothing could
now restrain them ; not even the thought of what
11
122 THE ADVENTURES OF
might befall Montezuma could allay their fury.
They rushed upon the Spanish quarters, battering
the walls, and destroying most of their ammuni-
tion. Alvarado and his little force made a gallant
resistance, and were still making it, but were now
fairly besieged, and had before them every pros-
pect of perishing, either by war or famine.
Cortes hurried his preparations, and all was
soon ready. He made an oration to the fol-
lowers of Narvaez, to inspire them with courage,
and then intrusting Narvaez and Salvatierra to the
keeping of Rodrigo Ranzel, whom he appointed
his lieutenant at Villa Rica, set out on his rapid
march for Mexico. At Tlascala he was joined by
two thousand warriors, and he now felt strong
enough to curb the fury of the Mexicans. He
passed on rapidly to Tezcuco ; but scarcely had
he entered the Mexican territories, when he saw
at once many signs of Mexican feeling. No wel-
come met him as usual in any of the towns through
which he passed : they all seemed deserted ; nor
was any provision made anywhere for the comfort
of himself or his army. He was unmolested, how-
ever, in his march, and at length, on the 24th of
June, 1520, again entered Mexico. Here, again,
no one came forward to meet him : a gloomy si-
lence seemed to reign through the city. Cortes
felt assured now that difficulties were before him ;.
yet, strange to tell, his first act was one of impru-
HERNAN CORTES. 123
dence. When at length he reached Montezuma,
and the King would have complimented him on
his victory over Narvaez, he turned away from him
with scorn. Perhaps he felt that he had force
enough now to carry his point at all hazards, or
possibly he thought that Montezuma was treacher-
ous ; that he was aiding the fury of his people.
Alvarado was instantly summoned before him, to
give an account of all that had happened. He
declared that a priest and two nobles had informed
him that the Mexicans had entered into a plot to
destroy the Spaniards ; moreover, that news had
reached the capital that Cortes and his army had
been vanquished by Narvaez ; that this had em-
boldened them : they were ripe for action ; to pro-
tect himself, he could make no delay, and there-
fore had fallen upon them at the time of the festi-
val. It is said that Cortes was dissatisfied with
this explanation. Still, this was no time for find-
ing fault : Alvarado and his companions were in
trouble, and their only hope of relief was through
him. He was provoked at the boldness of the
Mexicans, and especially so when he found they
furnished no supplies for his army. He bore him-
self very haughtily toward the nobles wherever he
met them, and at length sent a very stern message
to Montezuma, commanding him immediately to
supply his troops with provisions. This message
only roused the Mexicans the more ; and from that
124 THE ADVENTURES OF
moment they commenced a war of indomitable
hatred against all Spaniards.
Ere long, a Spanish soldier came rushing into
the quarters, and fell down, sinking with the loss
of blood. This poor fellow had been sent by-
Cortes, to bring to Mexico the daughter of Mon-
tezuma and other ladies left at Tacuba, under the
care of the Cacique. The enraged Mexicans had
attacked him on the causeway, and he had escaped
only by the most desperate exertions. He declared
that the whole country was in arms, and that mul-
titudes from all quarters were moving toward
Mexico. Cortes immediately sent out Diego de
Ordaz, with four hundred men, to reconnoitre.
These Spaniards had scarcely moved into the
streets, when they were attacked with showers of
arrows, while the air was filled with .the loud
curses and threats of the Mexicans. " Every
man of them should be sacrificed to the gods : not
one Spaniard should escape ; and every Tlascalan
should share the same fate." The streets were
filled with the phrensied multitude, while, from the
tops of the houses and temples, darts, stones, and ar-
rows, were poured upon the Spaniards. Ordaz found
that he could neither move forward nor readily re-
treat ; he was completely hemmed in by the throng-.
His courage, however, did not forsake him ; with
a desperate energy, he fought his way back to the
Spanish quarters, twenty-three of his men having
HERNAN CORTES. 125
%een killed, and a large number wounded. ' This
success only emboldened the Mexicans. The
next day they came in vast numbers to attack the
Spanish quarters. A wild madness seemed to
possess them. The artillery was at once brought
to bear upon them, and, though masses were swept
down in the streets at every volley, the places of
the dead were instantly supplied by others ; there
seemed no end to their numbers. Twice they came
near forcing an entrance into the quarters. Dis-
appointed in this, they at length set fire to them,
and the Spaniards were enabled to stop the flames
only by throwing down one of the walls to extin-
guish them.
Another difficulty now presented itself, in the
disaffection of the soldiers of Narvaez. They were
startled by the threats and fury of the Mexicans ;
they had followed Cortes, not expecting such dis-
asters, and began now to murmur loudly. It was
no time to listen to their complaints. To inspire
them with confidence, Cortes resolved upon a bold
effort. With a handful of men, he made in person a
desperate sally upon the enemy ; but, in spite of
his bravery, was forced to retreat, leaving ten of
his men dead in the streets, and about fifty wound-
ed. His energies, however, increased with his
difficulties. He resolved upon another attack.
Perceiving that his men suffered most from the
darts and arrows thrown from the roofs of the
11*
126 THE ADVENTURES OF
houses, he caused them to make four machines,
called mantas. These machines were made of
strong timbers, covered with a roof, and moved on
wheels. Each one could carry about thirty sol-
diers. Thus prepared, he again sallied out at the
head of most of the Spaniards and two thousand
Tlascalans. The Indians hailed them as usual
with shouts of fury and defiance, pouring in upon
them clouds of arrows. Expecting this attack,
they had prepared to annoy the Spaniards in every
way. In some places, the streets were blocked up
to prevent their passage ; in others, the bridges
that crossed the canals in the city were broken
down ; and while the Spaniards were stopped from
time to time by these obstacles, they assailed them
furiously from the streets, the canals, the roofs
and windows of the houses. As for the mantas,
they afforded but little protection, for the inge-
nuity of the Indians soon destroyed them. From
the tops of the houses they hurled down im-
mense stones and broke them to pieces. The
priests were in the midst, inflaming the people ;
the nobles, by their example, urged them on, and
they fought desperately. The battle was waged
fiercely on both sides through the whole day.
Worn out at last by the continued attacks carried
on from the houses, Cortes ordered his men to fire
the city. Several houses were soon burnt to the
ground, and he now retreated to the Spanish quar-
HERNAN CORTES. 127
ters as rapidly as possible. It was a sad day to.
both parties. Multitudes of the Mexicans were
slaughtered, while forty Spaniards were slain, and
a large number wounded. Cortes was himself
badly wounded in the hand in this conflict.
Cortes now felt that his position was most dan-
gerous. He could neither conquer nor make terms
of peace, nor hope for a quiet retreat. To attempt
a retreat from the capital was all that seemed left to
him : to remain where he was, was courting almost
certain death by war or famine ; and yet he could not
brook the thought of being anything but a conqueror,,
after all his toils and struggles. Fortunately, at
this time he had a prospect of relief from Monte-
zuma. It is said that, from one of the towers, the
King had looked out upon the conflict in the city..
He had marked the fierce spirit of the Spaniards,.
led on by Cortes, and the desperate resistance of
the Mexican troops, headed by his brother, the
lord of Iztapalapan. The sight moved him to
tears. He felt that his city was in ruins, whoever
might be conqueror. Troubled with his distress,
after a sleepless night he sought Cortes, and im-
plored him to stop the havoc by leaving the city.
It required but little persuasion to bring Cortes to
a decision. He promised the King that he would
go, if he would insure him a peaceable departure,,
and, for this purpose, demanded that the Mexicans
should lay down their arms : and Montezuma as
128 THE ADVENTURES OF
readily agreed to use his authority to induce them
to do so.*
Accordingly, on the next day, when the infuri-
ated Mexicans again attacked the Spanish quar-
ters, Montezuma resolved to show himself to them,
hoping thereby to calm their fury. Their attack
was now tremendous. It seemed impossible for
the artillery to drive them back. Some were
scaling the walls, and some had actually forced
their way into the quarters, and were fighting hand
to hand with the Spaniards, when Montezuma, at-
tired in his regal dress, and attended by some of
his nobles and a guard of Spanish soldiers, came
out upon the battlements. The moment he ap-
peared, all was silence ; some fell reverently
upon their knees. The King now spoke to
them, beseeching them to desist, and declaring
that the Spaniards were ready to leave the city if
they would only allow them to pass out undisturbed.
One of the nobles answered from the crowd, that
* Bernal Diaz declares that there was no such readiness of
agreement between Cortes and Montezuma. His story is, that
when Cortes consented to leave the city, desiring, as a condi-
tion, that the King should use his influence in inducing his
people to lay down their arms, Montezuma instantly refused —
bursting into tears, and uttering many reproaches against the
Spanish commander. Father Olmedo and Christoval de Olid
then tried to persuade the King, but he answered that his re-
monstrances would produce no effect upon his people : they
had chosen another King, and would not allow a single Span-
iard to leave the city alive. At length, however, after great
difficulty, he was prevailed on to address the Mexicans.
HERNAN CORTES. 129
the war would soon be over, for they had all sworn
that no Spaniard should leave the city alive. Mon-
tezuma again implored them to lay aside their
arms, and used every argument to persuade them.
All was in vain. A murmur of discontent spread
through the throng, and one of the crowd cried out
that the King was a coward. In a moment more,
the whole mass cursed and reproached him, and
then came showers of stones and arrows upon the
ramparts. Before the Spaniards could shelter him,
Montezuma fell. A stone had struck him on the
head, and he was wounded in his arm and leg. The
Mexicans were now horror-stricken at their own
deed ; their stormy passions gave way to gloom
and despair ; they fled from the spot in dismay.
The Spaniards bore the unfortunate King with-
in, and Cortes caused his wounds to be care-
fully dressed, and endeavored to console him. But
Montezuma refused all comfort. He seemed now
as one waking from a dream. The haughty and
fierce spirit of his better days came back, and
he heaped heavy reproaches upon the Spanish
chief. He felt that he was a king ; he knew that he
was now degraded and disgraced, and he longed
to die. In a phrensy, he tore the bandages from
his wounds, and refused to take any nourishment
whatever. Cortes, perceiving his end approach-
ing, now besought him to embrace the Christian
religion. Alas ! that Montezuma had so poor a*
130 THE ADVENTURES OF
preacher of our blessed religion ! Father Olmedo
earnestly implored him to receive Christian bap-
tism, but all to no purpose. Unbending to the last,
he had but one fixed desire, and that was to die ;
and at length, after three days of misery, he
breathed his last, in a raving passion, mourning
over his fate, cursing the Spaniards, and swearing
vengeance against his people. Cortes immediately
sent a messenger to Prince Cuitlahuatzin, the suc-
cessor to the throne, to inform him of the death of
Montezuma ; and in a little time the body was car-
ried out by six nobles, and taken to a place called
Copalco, amid the loud lamentations of the Mexi-
cans.
He now endeavored to make peace with the
Mexicans, but all his efforts failed. The Indians
whom he sent as messengers with his terms re-
fused to return with any answer ; but a distinct
answer was soon made known by the conduct of
the people. The day after the funeral, they re-
turned to their attack upon the Spanish quarters
more furiously than ever. The position of Cortes
was now well nigh desperate. Montezuma was
dead, and there was nothing to restrain the ven-
geance of the multitude. All hopes of peace
had passed away : his only hope was to escape
from the city. Even this, however, seemed cut
off by the bold determination of the Indians.
They had taken possession of a tower on the prin-
HERNAN CORTES. 131
cipal temple, which commanded a full view of the
Spanish quarters. From this point they kept so
strict a watch, that it was almost certain death to
a Spaniard to move out. They knew the advan-
tage of this post so well, that five hundred of their
picked warriors were stationed there. Cortes at
once saw that it was idle to hope to make his re-
treat so long as they kept that station. It was
absolutely necessary to dislodge them. Accord-
ingly, he sent Escobar out with a strong force for
that purpose. More than one gallant effort was
made, but at length, after three several failures,
Escobar was forced to retreat to the quarters.
Cortes now felt that everything depended upon
himself. His men were doomed to perish, unless
something could be done. Though suffering from
his wound, he determined upon another effort, and
resolved to take the command himself. At the
head of his troops, he pressed toward the temple.
Barriers were placed in his way, stones and arrows
were showered upon him ; still he pressed on.
Unfortunately, when he reached the court of the
temple, he found that the cavalry, upon which he
principally relied, could not be used ; the horses
continually slipped, and fell upon the pavement.
The Indians annoyed them in every way. Togeth-
er with their arrows and darts, they hurled upon
them burning beams of wood, which threw them
into great confusion. Cortes now dismounted, and
132 THE ADVENTURES OF
ordering his men to bind his shield to his wounded
arm, rushed to the attack, calling to them to follow
him. His example inspired them. The Spaniards
rushed on with resistless force. Gradually working
their way up the steps, they at length reached the
platform, and drove the Mexicans to the upper area
of the temple. Here the battle raged furiously for
three hours. The priests were there, calling frantic-
ally upon the gods, and screaming to the people, and
these contested every inch of the way with the des-
perate Spaniards. The carnage was awful. The
warriors were all killed upon the spot, or destroyed
themselves by leaping from the tower. The no-
bles perished to a man. Cortes at last gained the
tower, when there was no living being to defend
it. He instantly set fire to it, and then commenced
his retreat toward his quarters ; but his retreat was
one continued battle. New multitudes thronged
upon him in the lower area ; and when these were
passed, he met with a furious attack in every street
and from every house. Every inch of ground was
contested to and from the temple ; still in this re-
treat he managed, by a desperate effort, to rescue
his old friend Andres de Duero, whom the Mexi-
cans had seized, and were dragging away for a
sacrifice. At length he reached his quarters, every
man being covered with blood, and sinking from ex-
haustion. An uncounted number of the Tlascalans
had fallen, forty-six Spaniards had been killed.
HERNAN CORTES. 133
and every other Spaniard in the action had been
wounded.*
As soon as they had rested from this hard strug-
gle, Cortes summoned his officers, to consult as to
the time and manner of their retreat. Some ad-
vised that they should sally out boldly by day,
when they could see their enemies, and mark
every danger. Others thought it best to make the
attempt under cover of the night, thinking to es-
cape unobserved through the darkness, and trust-
ing to a superstition of the Mexicans, which would
not allow them to attack an enemy during the hours
of repose. An old soldier now came in, and pre-
tending to be an astrologer, urged that the attempt
should be made by night. In a little time, it was
settled that they should start out at midnight. As
the Mexicans had broken down the bridges of the
* This spirited attack and defence of the temple was con-
sidered of such high importance among the Indians, that it was
perpetuated by lively representations in the paintings of both
Tlascalans and Mexicans.
Connected with this attack, a beautiful story is told by some
historians of the devoted patriotism of two Mexican youths of
noble rank. Finding Cortes about to gain the tower, they re-
solved to sacrifice themselves for the good of their country, by
involving in their own death that of the Spanish leader. With
this design, they advanced to Cortes, and pretended to kneel
down, as if demanding quarter : when suddenly seizing him,
they dragged him to the edge of the upper area, resolved to
hurl themselves down, and drag him in their fall. Cortes, by
a desperate effort, broke from their grasp, and the youths
perished in their unsuccessful attempt.
12
134 THE ADVENTURES OF
causeways to prevent their escape, Cortes at once
caused a portable bridge to be made, strong enough
to allow his army and all the baggage to pass the
openings. He then commanded all the treasure
that had been collected to be brought forward, and
separating the fifth part which belonged to the
King, left the rest for his men ; at the same time
advising them not to load themselves with it, as it
might prove burdensome in their perilous retreat.
He next ordered the plan of march. The van of
his army, consisting of two hundred of his best
soldiers, together with twenty horsemen, was
placed under the command of Sandoval, aided by
Diego de Ordaz and Francisco Lugo. The rear,
which contained most of the Spanish troops, was
intrusted to Pedro de Alvarado and Velasquez de
Leon. Cortes himself, aided by Christoval de
Olid and Davila, took charge of the centre, in
which were placed the children of Montezuma,
and other prisoners of distinction, together with
the baggage, artillery, and portable bridge. The
Tlascalans, Chempoallans, and Cholulans, amount-
ing to several thousands, were scattered among the
three divisions. To aid them at the time of their
departure, the night set in densely dark, with a
thick fog, and heavy falls of rain. At midnight,,
the van left the quarters, and the other divisions
soon followed. In deep silence they moved toward,
the causeway of Tacuba, because that was known
HERNAN CORTES. 135
to be the shortest, and least frequented by the
Mexicans. They reached the first breach unmo-
lested, and at once commenced fixing their bridge
for a passage.
Suddenly the air was filled with the loud yells
of the Mexicans. They had watched every move-
ment. The priests sounded their horns, calling
their countrymen to battle : the lake was covered
with a thousand canoes ; showers of stones and
arrows were poured in upon the Spaniards from
the boats, while an immense number eagerly
thronged the causeway to oppose them. Unfortu-
nately at this time, the bridge broke down under
the heavy weight of the baggage and artillery.
Some of the Spaniards who had gained the other
side hurried to the second breach, while their poor
companions struggled to scramble across the hor-
rid chasm, filled up now with one confused heap
of baggage, cannon, armor, and the bodies of the
■dead and dying. All was confusion. The rain
fell in torrents ; the horses plunged in every direc-
tion ; both sides of the causeway were lined with
canoes, from which one continual attack was kept
-up ; the Spaniards never before had witnessed any-
thing like it. The bellowing of the horses, and the
shrieks of the prisoners hurried away for sacrifice,
filled the air : all was an indescribable scene of
horror. With fury and desperation, many of the
Spaniards fought their way over the dreadful gap,
136 THE ADVENTURES OF
and joined their companions at the second breach ;
while the largest number were either killed on the
spot, made prisoners, or drowned. At the second
breach, the conflict was the same. It was impos-
sible to preserve any order ; friends and foes, sol-
diers and officers, horse and infantry, men and
women, were all struggling there in one wild
scene of carnage and horror. By a desperate
exertion, Cortes, with some of his hardiest
veterans, forced his way across the remaining
breaches, " the bodies of the dead serving to fill
up the ditches." Having reached the firm land,
he left his slender force with Sandoval and Olid,
who had managed to escape with him, command-
ing them to keep in perfect order, to resist any
fresh attack, and then plunged back into the fight.
His heart would not allow him to leave his men in
their deplorable condition. He passed and repassed
the last breaches more than once, sometimes swim-
ming, sometimes scrambling over the dead : here
he would encourage some sinking man still to
fight ; there he would pull some drowning man to
the firm land, and sometimes drag his captive com-
rades from the very hands of the enemy. His
daring struggles are almost incredible. The suf-
ferings of his men roused every energy ; he risked
every danger, and wonderful is it that he was not
added to the number of the slain. In spite of all
his efforts, however, the air still rang with the
HERNAN CORTES. 137
savage yells of the Mexicans, and the piercing
shrieks of the poor captives. It was impossible
to rescue all ; he did all that man could do ; he was
heart-sick over his own inability. Now he was
joined by a small party, which he found belonged
to the rear division. These were Alvarado, bleed-
ing freely, and scarcely able to stand, eight Span-
iards, and as many Tlascalans, all wounded and
covered with blood. Alvarado declared that these
were all that remained of the division intrusted to
him : all the rest, officers as well as men, and
among them Velasquez de Leon, having been
killed or made prisoners ; that when he came to
the third breach, not being able to face the enemy
or to swim across, in an effort of despair he struck
his lance in the bottom of the ditch, and leaped to
the other side. This effort saved him.*
The dawn of the next day found the Spaniards
at Popotla, near Tacuba, and showed them more
fully their misery. They lay scattered around at
random, wounded, exhausted, and disheartened.
More than half the Spaniards had perished, with
four thousand of their allies. All the ammunition,
artillery, and baggage was lost, together with most
of the horses. No treasure whatever was saved ;
* The place where this happened still goes by the name of
" Salto de Alvarado," or Alvarado's Leap ; and this dreadful
night is still spoken of in New Spain as " Noche iriste," or the
Night of Sorrow.
12*
138 THE ADVENTURES OF
those soldiers who had foolishly laden themselves
with it having perished for their folly. Well nigh
all the Mexican prisoners had likewise perished ;
among them the prince Cacamatzin, a brother, a
son, and two daughters of Montezuma. Velasquez
de Leon, Francisco Morla, Francisco Sancedo,
and Amador de Lariz, with many other Spanish
officers, were missing. The gallant De Leon had
been placed in command of the extreme detach-
ment of the rear division, and not even one man
of his party was now to be found.
The scene touched the heart of Cortes ; he who
could brave every danger, overcoming every fear,
could not now overcome the feelings of a man.
As he looked upon the wretched remnant of his
army, and thought of his brave companions who
were lost, his heart swelled with sorrow ; he sat
down upon a stone, and the tears rolled down his
face. The death of De Leon was more than he
could well bear. He was not only a gallant com-
rade in arms, but a friend whose heart was ever
true to Cortes. But greater disasters were possi-
bly before him ; and while this thought added to
his misery, it taught him also the necessity of
rousing his energies. Alvarado, Sandoval, Olid,
Ordaz, Davila, and Lugo, were still around him ;
his faithful friends Doha Marina, Aguilar, and
Father Olmedo, were yet alive. These, with the-
poor soldiers, were looking to him as their leader,.
HERNAN CORTES. 139
and he felt the necessity of action. The country
all around was in arms against him ; a shelter from
their fury was to be found immediately. He gath-
ered his little force, and made a hurried march to
Otoncalpolco, a temple nine miles westward from
Mexico. Here parties of the enemy attacked him
from time to time through the day, but by watch-
fulness and courage he managed to drive them
back. Still his position was dangerous : if a large
party should assault him, he could not resist long.
He longed to reach Tlascala, as his only safe
resting-place ; yet it was far distant, and he knew
that the Mexicans were watching to waylay him.
He was in great anxiety, hesitating what he should
do, when a Tlascalan came forward, and offered
to conduct him to his own country by a secret
pathway.
140
THE ADVENTURES OF
CHAPTER VIII.
OLLOWING their Tlascalan
guide, the Spaniards under-
took their wearisome march
through a desolate country ;
sometimes struggling through
swamps, and then scrambling
over mountains. Parties of
Mexicans pursued and hung
upon their rear, and it required the
utmost vigilance and skill to avoid
them. Then, too, the region through
which they were moving was unin-
habited, and destitute of all manner
S of supplies ; they ate gladly such roots
and berries as they could find. Arrived
at Zacamolco, their famine was so great
that they greedily devoured a horse that had been
killed that day by the Mexicans. As to the poor
Tlascalans, they threw themselves upon the ground,
and piteously implored their gods to help them.
Cortes bore himself nobly through these sorrows.
All eyes were upon him, and his example roused
and animated his men. At length, on the sixth
HERNAN CORTES. 141
day of the march, they came near Otompan. Par-
ties of Mexicans now showed themselves more
frequently, and some, as they passed, cried out
scornfully, "Advance, advance, robbers, to receive
the reward of your crimes !" The valley of Otom-
pan presently burst upon their sight, covered with
warriors as far as the eye could reach. Two hun-
dred thousand men, headed by the nobility of the
country, had gathered there to oppose them in their
march to Tlascala.
The hearts of the Spaniards now sank within
them ; the stoutest among them were dismayed ;
their doom was at hand. Cortes was instantly
roused ; he saw that to allow them to shrink from
their danger, was only to increase it. He imme-
diately drew up his wretched army, and flanking
it on each side with the few horsemen he could
still command, cried out with enthusiasm, " The
moment is arrived when we must either conquer or
perish ! Castilians, rouse your spirits, place your
confidence on high, and advance boldly to the
charge !" With this, he rushed to the conflict.
The Indians fought with the fury of revenge, the
Spaniards with the fury of despair. More than
once the brave band of Cortes broke through the
lines of the enemy, but new multitudes thronged
upon them instantly. They were overpowered
with numbers. For four hours this horrid fight
continued. Cortes perceived his men falling fast 9
142 THE ADVENTURES OF
some dead, and others dying ; all seemed well
nigh lost A bold thought now struck him. He
remembered to have heard that the Mexicans were
always routed when their general was slain and
their standard taken. He determined to make one
last effort. Cihuacatzin, the leader of the Indians,
was in the midst of his troops, sitting upon his
litter, surrounded by a guard ; and the standard,
fastened to his back, was floating over his head.
Cortes, calling to Alvarado, Sandoval, Olid, and
Davila, to follow him close and guard him from
attack, dashed toward the general. With a des-
perate fury he broke through the crowd, reached
the centre of the army, and with one blow of his
lance laid Cihuacatzin on the ground. One of the
brave Spaniards who followed leaped from his
horse, tore the standard from the general, and in-
stantly despatched him. In a moment, the enemy
was in confusion ; the hopes of the Spaniards re-
vived : they pressed hard upon them, routed and
pursued them. They gained their victory, how-
ever, at a great sacrifice. Numbers of the Span-
iards and Tlascalans were slain, and every survivor
carried his wounds. Cortes himself was danger-
ously wounded by a blow on the head. Yet the
conquerors left dead upon that field twenty thou-
sand of the enemy.*
* It is said that in this battle, a woman, called Maria de Es-
trada, particularly distinguished herself. With her lance and
shield, she was seen in the midst of the conflict, bearing herself
with extraordinary courage.
HERNAN CORTES. 143
With the remnant of his army (only four hun-
dred and forty men), Cortes now marched without
further trouble into the Tlascalan territories. Here
he was received with great kindness ; indeed, the
kindness of the Tlascalans increased with his
misfortunes. They ministered in every way to
the comfort of his feeble but victorious army. But,
unfortunately, some of his own men began once
more to trouble him. Wearied with their continual
hardships, the soldiers of Narvaez returned to their
murmurs ; and, strange to tell, among these mur-
murers was Andres de Duero, the friend of Cortes.
The discontent increased ; the disaffected held
meetings from time to time, and at last signed and
sent a remonstrance to Cortes, urging him to aban-
don the country and return to Cuba.
Cortes received this with great self-possession,
but in deep sorrow. His spirit was unbroken by
his trials ; though misfortune had followed him, he
still carried in his heart the fixed resolution of con-
quering Mexico. With such a determination, he
could not well part with any of his men. The
best mode of silencing their murmurs was to keep
them busy, and he soon found employment for
them. The people of Tepejacac had sworn alli-
ance to Cortes, but in the midst of his misfortunes
had treacherously taken up arms against the Span-
iards, and cut off a body of his countrymen on their
march from Chempoalla to Mexico. Cortes re-
144 THE ADVENTURES OF
solved to punish them for this conduct. With much
difficulty, he persuaded his men to join him in this
effort, the followers of Narvaez at length assenting,
because the Spaniards that had been slaughtered
belonged to their party. xVt the head of four thou-
sand Tlascalans, together with his men, he now
set out for these people.
He soon subdued the Tepejacacans, penetrating
even to their principal town. This region being
fertile, and directly on the road to Villa Rica, he
established in it a settlement, which he called
Segura de la Frontera. Intent upon keeping his
men employed, he continued his marches now in
various directions. For months he pursued this
line of conduct, meeting with success in almost
every engagement. These little advantages, though
slight, cheered him in the thought of conquering
Mexico. He would not abandon that idea. , In-
deed, his resolution on this point was so fixed, that
he had already ordered a quantity of timber to be
cut in the forests of Tlascala for the construction
of twelve brigantines, that he might get command
of the lake ; and Martin Lopez, an experienced
shipwright, was now busy at this work. What
he most needed was an addition to his numbers ;
with his little force, he could hardly hope to
achieve that conquest. Fortune now smiled on
him. Diego Velasquez, ignorant of the fate of
Narvaez, sent Pedro Barba with a small company
HERNAN CORTES. 145
to the country, bearing letters to Narvaez. These
letters brought positive orders to Narvaez to send
Cortes, if alive, to Cuba that he might be taken
thence in fetters to Spain ; such being the com-
mand of the Bishop of Burgos.* Barba and his
followers were artfully decoyed on shore by the
men at Villa Rica, seized, and sent prisoners to
Cortes. The Spanish chief, with his usual policy,
received them as friends and countrymen, and soon
persuaded them to join his enterprise. Barba now
informed him that another vessel would soon ap-
pear off the coast, laden with supplies. By good
management, the crew and cargo of this vessel
were also secured. In a little time, a much larger
reinforcement was added to him. The party sent
out under Pineda, by Garay, the Governor of
Jamaica, to establish a settlement at Panuco, had
all been destroyed ; and the Governor, ignorant of
this fact, now sent another body, under Camarjo,
to aid Pineda in his labors. This second party,
learning the fate of their countrymen, and being at
the same time afflicted with the diseases of the
country, sought refuge in the settlement at Vera
Cruz. Thence they proceeded to Frontera, found
Cortes, and at once entered his service. Other
bodies sent out by Garay, for the same purpose of
aiding the colony at Panuco, followed their example,
* The Bishop of Burgos had the principal charge of West
India affairs in Spain. He was a warm friend to the Governor
of Cuba, and, of course, an enemy to Cortes.
13
146 THE ADVENTURES OF
and Cortes soon found, to his great joy, that he had
added to his numbers very unexpectedly one hun-
dred and eighty men and twenty horses. His
hopes* for the conquest were now brightening.
To his sorrow, however, the followers of Nar-
vaez again returned to their murmurs. They urged
more earnestly than ever that they ought to be sent
back to Cuba. Cortes perceived that the spirit of
discontent was growing, and felt that it was better
to lose these men, than to allow them to remain any
longer, spreading dissatisfaction in his army. Ac-
cordingly, he issued his proclamation, stating that
all those who wished to return to Cuba might do
so, and that a safe passage should be immediately
furnished for them. Some of the discontented
were now ashamed, and determined to remain ; but
the larger part resolved to start, and among these
was Andres de Duero. Cortes selected one of the
best vessels that had belonged to Narvaez, and
allowed them to embark. At the same time he
sent Diego de Ordaz and Alonzo de Mendoza to
Spain, to represent his conduct, and keep an eye
on the Bishop of Burgos. Alonzo Davila was also
sent to Hispaniola, to tell of their hardships and
sufferings, the jealousy of Velasquez, and the cru-
elty of the Bishop of Burgos, and beg assistance
for the enterprise ; while another officer was
despatched to Jamaica, with power to enlist sol-
diers, and purchase horses and supplies.
HERNAN CORTES. 147
Having despatched these, he hurried his prepa-
rations for the siege of Mexico. The timber for
his ships being nearly ready, and the cordage,
cables, sails, and other rigging, brought over from
Tilla Rica, he saw nothing to delay his march
toward the capital. He called his officers together,
and, after consultation, it was determined to make
their head-quarters at Tezcuco, as that seemed the
place best adapted for annoying the enemy. Mes-
sages were now sent to the confederate Indians,
to hold themselves in readiness at any moment,
and the troops were reviewed. Cortes found that
lie still had five hundred and fifty infantry, among
whom were eighty musketeers and crossbow -men,
and nine pieces of artillery. Besides these, there
were forty horsemen : and to the whole he added
an army of ten thousand Tlascalans. This was
his force for the conquest of Mexico. On the
28th of December (six months after his fatal re-
treat), he moved again toward the capital.
Mexico was now in a far different condition
from that in which Cortes left it. The six months
that had passed away had been improved by its
citizens. Cuitlahuitzin,Hhe successor of Monte-
zuma, had not only distinguished himself by his
bold attack upon the Spaniards on the night of their
retreat, but he had repaired the damages done to
his city by the invaders, made fortifications, and
billed the magazines with armor. With all this he
148 THE ADVENTURES OF
had, if possible, infused into his countrymen a still
more deadly hatred of the Spaniards. But in the
midst of these labors, he had been cut down by
the small pox,* and now Guatimozin, the nephew
of Montezuma, ruled over the kingdom. He was
a very young man, but had exhibited such daring
courage and great ability, that the people had called
him to the throne.
At the end of three days, without any opposition,
Cortes entered Tezcuco. The streets were com-
pletely deserted ; neither men, women, nor chil-
dren, were to be seen. The people had carried
their goods to the forests, or the borders of the
lake, while the lord of Tezcuco and the nobles had
fled to Mexico. Cortes soon learned that Tezcuco
was divided into two parties, and instantly took
advantage of it. The prince who had fled was
said to be an usurper, who had murdered his elder
brother, and his usurpation had been aided by the
King of Mexico. At the same time a youth was
pointed out to Cortes as the lawful heir, and he
immediately caused him to be proclaimed lord of
Tezcuco. He succeeded in persuading this youth
to embrace Christianity, and at his baptism he re-
ceived the name of Hern an Cortes, the Spanish
chief standing as the godfather. Cortes then ap-
pointed Escobar and two other Spaniards to attend
* The small pox had been introduced into the kingdom by a
slave who came into the country with Narvaez.
HERNAN CORTES. 149
upon the new lord. Terms of friendship were at
once made : the young man engaging to do all in
his power to aid the Spaniards ; which engagement,
it is said, he kept religiously.
Having thus arranged matters at Tezcuco, re-
membering certain acts of Cuitlahuitzin, the former
lord of Iztapalapan, he determined to attack that
city. Accordingly, at the head of two hundred
and thirty-five Spaniards and all the Tlascalan
army, he marched against it. At their approach,
all the inhabitants fled to their canoes. The Span-
iards took possession without any trouble, and as
the night was coming on, resolved to make their
quarters there. They had scarcely retired, when
the water began to rise and overflow the city. The
Iztapalapans had broken the mole of the lake,
hoping to drown them. The Tezcucans gave the
alarm in time, and, with great difficulty, Cortes
made good his retreat. He lost, however, two of
his men, a number of Tlascalans, and one of the
horses. This ingenuity of the Indians troubled
him very much ; he felt that his enemies were
more dangerous than he had supposed them to be.
His next effort was to get possession of the two
towns of Chalco and Tlalmamalco, places of great
importance to the Spaniards, as they lay directly
between Tlascala and Tezcuco. Accordingly,
Sandoval and Lugo were sent with a body of two
hundred men to drive the Mexicans from them.
13*
150 THE ADVENTURES OF
This they easily accomplished. Messengers now
came from Mizquic, Otompan, and other cities,
begging the protection of the Spaniards ; all of
whom Cortes received very kindly, readily making
terms with them.
All the materials for building his vessels bein£
at length ready, Cortes determined to have them
brought from Tlascala to Tezcuco. This was
an important business, and Sandoval was selected
to perform it. On the way to Tlascala was the
town of Zoltepec, whose inhabitants (at the time
when Cortes was hurrying to the relief of Alvara-
do) had surprised and murdered forty Spaniards
and three hundred Tlascalans, on their march from
Vera Cruz to Mexico. Cortes was resolved to
punish them for this act, and consequently gave
orders to Sandoval to stop there and chastise
them on his way. When Sandoval approached
this city, the inhabitants fled. He pursued
them, and made many prisoners. The pite-
ous cries of the women, however, induced him
to spare them all ; they expressed great sorrow
for what they had done, and he only exacted
from them a promise of obedience and good con-
duct for the future. This was the more generous
in the leader, inasmuch as he discovered many
things to rouse his revenge. In one of the tem-
ples, he saw the walls and idols besmeared with
the blood of his countrymen ; while the skins of
HERNAN CORTES. 15!
two of their faces, together with those of four
horses, were hung upon the altars. On a wall in
one of the houses he found this inscription : " In
this place Juan Zuste and his wretched compan-
ions were confined." From Zoltepec, Sandoval
moved on to Tlascala, wnere he found all ready,
and Chichimecatl, with a large army of Tlascalans,
prepared to start. Eight thousand men were em-
ployed in carrying the timbers, cordage, and other
materials. A Spanish guard went before them,
and a guard of allies was placed on each side.
In this mode they marched out from Tlascala.
Flying parties of Indians sometimes were seen,
but none dared to approach them. At length they
came near to Tezcuco. Great was the joy now
of the Spaniards in that city. Cortes and his offi-
cers came out to meet the procession, and the
Spanish leader, with great delight, embraced Chi-
chimecatl and two other chiefs, and thanked them
for their great kindness. Six hours were spent in
entering Tezcuco. It was a perfect jubilee. The
allies, dressed in their finest garments, and decked
off with their gay plumes, marched through the
streets, sounding their horns and beating their
drums, while the air rang with the shouts of tri-
umph for Castile and Tlascala.
Martin Lopez, the shipwright, now declared that
it required twenty days to make ready for the
launching, and Cortes determined to keep his men
{152 THE ADVENTURES OF
employed in the mean time in reducing the cities that
were friendly to Guatimozin. Leaving Sandoval at
Tezcuco, with a party of his followers he attacked
the cities of Xaltocan and Tacubs, the first of
which was plundered and partly destroyed by fire.
Upon his return, Sandoval sallied out and routed
their enemies at Huaxtepec and Jacapitchtla. To
add to their joy at this time, a further reinforce-
ment of Spaniards arrived at Tezcuco, under Ju-
lian de Alderete. Alderete stated that the vessel
which had brought him was now lying at Vera
Cruz, laden with military stores for the army, and
(what was still better news for Cortes) that the
Bishop of Burgos, one of his principal enemies,
had been deposed from, his authority over the West
Indies.
Motives of policy, as well as the desire to pre-
serve the city of Mexico (for Cortes felt assured
now that he should conquer it), prompted the Span-
ish leader to send messengers to Guatimozin, pro-
posing to make terms of peace. Guatimozin, how-
ever, would listen to no terms ; he sent back a
scornful answer, and Cortes at once returned to his
depredations. The city of Quauhnahuac was next
attacked and reduced. Thence he sallied against
Xochimilco, a large town on the lake of Chalco.
Here multitudes had gathered to oppose him ; they
had cut down the bridges to stop him, and erected
palisades to shelter themselves. The eager Span-
HERNAN CORTES. 153
iards dashed into the stream, and many lost their
lives in attempting to swim over. The battle was
fierce on both sides. In this struggle Cortes came
near losing his life. His horse fell under him,
while surrounded by the enemy : he was instantly
knocked down ; a crowd seized him and were car-
rying him off in triumph. At this moment, Chris-
toval de Olid, perceiving his perilous condition^
dashed forward with a body of Tlascalans, and, by
a mighty effort, rescued him. Cortes and Olid
both received dangerous wounds on the head.
Many of his soldiers being also wounded, he was
forced to remain four days at this place, that they
might all recruit. During this time, the enemy
annoyed them very much. A party of four of his
men having wandered off to sack a house on the
shore of the lake, the Mexicans came in canoes,
surrounded it, and carried them off. These unfor-
tunate captives were taken to Guatimozin, who ex-
amined them very particularly as to the numbers
that followed Cortes. After gaining from them all
the information he could, he ordered their hands
and feet to be cut off. In this condition they were
exhibited through the country, until at length he
commanded that they should be killed.
To his surprise, Cortes discovered now that some
of his men were still disaffected ; indeed, that this
disaffection had even ripened into a plot to destroy
him. The few remaining soldiers of Narvaez were
154 THE ADVENTURES OF
once more the cause of the trouble. The princi-
pal man among them was Antonio Villafaiia. He
was still a warm friend to Velasquez, and, of course,
disliked the Spanish leader. Though a private
soldier, he was a man of uncommon power ; ener-
getic, resolute, and persuasive, he secretly cher-
ished discontent among the men with great success.
From time to time they met at his quarters, until
at length, having prepared them for action, he
boldly proposed that they should murder Cortes
•and his principal officers, give the command of the
army to a brother-in-law of Velasquez, and force
him to' take them back to Cuba. They all wel-
comed the proposition, bound themselves by an
oath, and signed their names to a paper presented
by Villafaiia. Their plan was to murder them
while at table : a letter, feigned to have come from
Vera Cruz, was to be presented to Cortes, and
while he was engaged in reading it, the fatal blow
was to be given. Others soon joined them ; they
felt strong ; the day was fixed. On the eve of that
clay, a soldier (one of the original followers of
Cortes) came to the commander, and begged that
he might see him privately. His request was im-
mediately granted. He now threw himself at the
feet of Cortes, unfolded the whole plan, and im-
plored his forgiveness ; he was one of the con-
spirators, but had not the heart to be so longer.
The news startled Cortes ; yet he was, as usual,
HERNAN CORTES. 155
self-possessed. He instantly summoned Sando-
val, Alvarado, and some others of the intended
victims, and proceeded to Villafaha's quarters.
Numbers were there ; they were taken by surprise ;
they looked like guilty men. Some tried to es-
cape, but were immediately taken. Cortes himself
seized Villafana, and snatched from his bosom the
paper containing the names of the conspirators.
The accomplices of Villafana were carried to pris-
on, while he was immediately brought to trial. His
guilt was proved, he was condemned to die, and
the next morning was seen hano-ing before the
door of his quarters.
The paper showed names surprising to Cortes :
the conspiracy was far deeper than he had sup-
posed. It was impossible, however, to bring these
men to execution ; he could not spare them. With
great presence of mind, he ordered the prisoners
to be set at liberty, and then assembled all his
troops. He now told them of the awful plot that had
threatened destruction to all their hopes. Pointing
to the body of Villafana, he called on them to look
upon the traitor, declaring that he was very happy
that his doom fell upon no other Spaniard ; that
there were other conspirators, but he was ignorant
as to who they were ; he himself had arrested
Villafaiia, but in his confusion and fright the guilty
man had swallowed a paper containing the names
of his accomplices ; and who these accomplices
156 THE ADVENTURES OF
might be, could now never be known. The guilty-
men in the crowd were at once relieved ; they
fancied they were unsuspected, while at the same
time their leader knew them all, and watched them
closely.
In a little time, they were gathered together on
a more joyous occasion. Martin Lopez had worked
diligently, and all was now ready for the launch.
The Spaniards having attended mass and received
the communion, the whole army was drawn up on
the banks of the canal. The brigantines glided
gently into the water, while Father Olmedo stood
by to bless them and give their names. The sails
were then hoisted, to try them ; and, as they
ploughed the water, the " te DeunC was chanted,
while the words echoed with the roar of artillery
and shouts of joy.
HERNAN CORTES.
157
CHAPTER IX.
ORTES reviewed his army
once more, preparatory to his
attack upon the city of Mex-
ico. He found that he had
eighty-six horsemen, eight
hundred infantry, together with
three large cannons, fifteen
small field-pieces, a thousand
pounds of gunpowder, and a large
quantity of balls and arrows. To
these he added an immense number
of Tlarcalans and other allies, and
then divided his army into three
parts, placing over these his well-tried
officers Sandoval, Alvarado, and Olid.
The towns of Tepejacac, Tacuba, and
Cojohuacan, were situated on the causeways, and
served to guard the city from the first attacks. The
three divisions were to take possession of these
three places, while Cortes himself took the com-
mand of the fleet, which was considered the most
important part of the enterprise.
The parties soon set out for their respective
14
158 THE ADVENTURES OF
positions. Alvarado and Olid in a little time-
reached Tacuba. The aqueduct of Chapoltepec
passed through this place, affording a supply of
fresh water to the Mexican capital. This they
determined to destroy, and at once set to the work.
The Mexicans opposed them fiercely ; the strug-
gle was a hard one, but at length they succeeded
in cutting off the pipes. Flushed with success,
they now attempted to take possession of the first
bridge on the causeway of Tacuba. As they ap-
proached this spot, they found immense numbers
gathered to oppose them ; the causeway was
thronged with the enemy, while each side was
lined with canoes, from which the Mexicans poured
in their arrows. At the first discharge, three Span-
iards were slain and thirty wounded. The Span-
iards only fought the more fiercely ; yet, after all
their efforts, they were forced to retreat to Tacuba,
eight of their number being dead, and more than
fifty wounded. Leaving Alvarado, Olid pushed on
to his station at Cojohuacan.
In the mean time, Cortes had brought the fleet
out on the lake, and after various manoeuvres, pro-
ceeded to attack a rock near the city, where a
large number of the inhabitants had fled for refuge.
The Mexicans, perceiving his design, sent out
their whole naval force (consisting of four thou-
sand canoes) against his brigantines. Cortes now
moved fairly out into the lake, and formed his fleet
HERNAN CORTES. 159
in the shape of a crescent to receive them. As
they came near, the sails of the brigantines were
spread, and they dashed through them, over-
turning some, and scattering the rest, to the great
loss of the Mexicans. Olid had now reached
his post, and from the temple at Cojohuacan saw
the conflict on the lake. He instantly pushed
along the causeway toward the city, drove the
Mexicans from some of the trenches, and took pos-
session. Cortes now attacked the bastion called
Xoloc, situated at the angle made by the junction
of the roads of Cojohuacan and Iztapalapan. The
Mexicans defended the place with great obstinacy ;
multitudes fell in their efforts to save it, but it was
stormed and taken. As this was a spot of great
importance, and in direct communication with the
division of Olid, Cortes determined to establish his
camp here. The three divisions were now on the
three causeways, and, as the principal attacks of
the enemy were from the canoes that lined them,
he distributed his fleet so as to protect the three
divisions in their three efforts against the city —
giving orders that they were to be managed in strict
obedience to the three officers in command. The
siege now regularly commenced.
From this moment, a series of attacks, retreats,
skirmishes, and manoeuvres, were going on upon
the causeways. The causeway of Tacuba was
the shortest, and it was supposed that Alvarado
160 THE ADVENTURES OF
would be the first, therefore, to enter the city. But
the fact that it was the shortest caused it to be the
most carefully guarded. Every morning, Alvarado
renewed his attempt, and each day met with a-
sharp opposition. At night, the Mexicans repaired
whatever damage he had done, and in the morning
showed themselves as stubborn as ever ; while the
Spaniards, regardless of wounds, endeavored to
push their way onward to the capital, and were
continually disappointed in their hope of reaching
it. Alvarado perceived now, to his sorrow, that
the destruction of the aqueduct of Chapoltepec
had not taken from the city its supply of water.
Canoes were seen continually by night bringing
casks from the towns on the borders of the
lake. Provisions were brought in the same way ;
thus defeating the hope of reducing the city by
famine. Two of the brigantines were set to watch
these boats and intercept them, but the cunning
of the Mexicans defeated this. Their canoes were
sailing in every direction, to beguile them. So far
from being taken themselves, they even contrived
to tempt the two brigantines near the border of the
lake, where thirty of their largest boats lay in am-
bush. An attack was instantly made : the brigan-
tines could not well be worked in that position ;
every Spaniard was wounded, and one of the cap-
tains killed. To increase the difficulty of the siege,
periodical rains now set in ; these, however, did
HERNAN CORTES. 161
not deter Alvarado and his followers from their at-
tempts, though these attempts were still unsuccess-
ful. Whatever advance he made, however, was a
safe one ; if he gained a foot of ground, he kept it.
Houses were destroyed and ditches filled behind
him as far as he passed, to enable him to make
good his retreat, if it became necessary. Very
much the same scenes were passing on the other
causeways. Daily efforts were made, both by
land and water, to force an entrance into the city,
and all proved unsuccessful.
At last, wearied and mortified with continued
disappointment, Cortes resolved upon a general as-
sault. Accordingly, he commanded Alvarado and
Sandoval to lead on their divisions, regardless of
all opposition, while he himself took the command
of the division at Cojohuacan. The order was in-
stantly obeyed : the three divisions moved forward.
The Mexicans met them with the fury of madmen ;
their opposition was tremendous. In spite of this
opposition, however, Cortes continued to gain
ground, carrying everything before him. Julian
de Alderete, according to command that he should
follow on and fill up all ditches behind him, was
close upon him, but, in the ardor of the struggle,
neglected this necessary duty. The Mexicans at
length fled before Cortes, in apparent dismay, and
he reached the capital. This was only a strata-
gem : the design was to bring him beyond the nar-
14*
162 THE ADVENTURES OF
tow pass in the causeway. He had no sooner
entered the city, than the big drum was struck, the
horns in the temple sent forth their blasts : the-
Mexicans raised their horrid yells, and at once
flocked to the causeway. Alarmed for the safety
of his men, Cortes ordered a retreat. Accordingly,
they commenced retreating, but when they reached
the narrow pass, all ' was confusion. Multitudes
pressed upon them by land, arrows were showered
upon them from the boats ; it was now a general
rout. Struggling to escape, the men pushed on
only to plunge into the big ditch left open by Al-
derete. In that fatal gap fell men and horses,
Spaniards and Indians, all in one mighty struggle.
Cortes was still self-possessed ; regardless of his
life, he plunged into the gap, animating some, and
rescuing others. Many a sinking companion did
he save that day. In the midst of these noble
struggles, he received a wound in the leg ; six
Mexicans seized him, and were carrying him off
in triumph. At this critical moment, two brave
Spaniards, Olea and Lerma, rushed to his rescue.
Olea killed four of the Mexicans, and then lost his
own life ; while Lerma, sinking with his wounds,
would likewise have been a captive, had not Qui-
nones, with a body of Spaniards and Tlascalans,
at that instant snatched them from their danger.
Cortes was lifted out of the water and placed upon
a horse ; the miserable remnant of his division
escaping as it could.
HERNAN CORTES. 163
Alvarado was hardly more successful. Hav-
ing vanquished Cortes, the enemy now rushed
upon him in greater numbers. To aid them, they
cunningly threw into his ranks five bleeding
heads, swearing that they were the heads of Cortes,
Sandoval, and other chiefs, and that Alvarado's
should soon be added to the number. The Span-
iards were in dismay ; they supposed that their
brave leader had perished, and could tight no longer.
Alvarado ordered a hasty retreat, and with great
difficulty escaped with a part of his division.
The division of Sandoval suffered the least loss.
He had pressed- far on toward the city, and felt
sure of success, when suddenly numbers rushed
upon him, both Cortes and Alvarado being defeat-
ed. The Mexicans resorted to the same stratagem
that had been practised upon Alvarado. With des-
perate energy, however, he continued the fight,
until, finding that there was no hope of success,
he commenced. retreating. By an effort of skill,
he managed his retreat in so orderly a manner, that
only two of his men were killed. The great mass,
however (among them Sandoval himself), was
wounded. In this general assault, which had thus
ended, sixty Spaniards and a great number of
allies were slain, while almost every survivor was
suffering from his wounds. In addition to this,
they lost six horses, one cannon, and a quantity
of their arms.
164 THE ADVENTURES OF
Night now closed in, but not to give them rest.
The Mexicans prepared for a frightful festival.
The Spaniards heard the sound of the big drum,
and the blasts of the horns and trumpets, mingled
with the exulting yells of the conquerors, while in
the temples, that were brilliantly illuminated, they
saw the priests moving about, and their poor cap-
tive comrades made to dance naked before the
idols. Then, too, they could hear the piercing
shrieks of the wretched prisoners as tlaey were
laid upon the altars to be sacrificed ; and while
they spent the long night weeping for their friends,
they vowed in their hearts an awful revenge.
After this defeat, the Mexicans sent the heads
of those slain in sacrifice to all the neighboring
towns and provinces, declaring to the people that
the gods, being delighted with the blood of those
sacrifices, had promised that in eight days the
hated Spaniards should all be destroyed, and peace
restored to their empire. This was a cunning
stratagem. The superstition of the Indians al-
lowed them to believe the story ; and thus those
provinces already hostile to the Spaniards, became
more bitter in their hatred, while their allies
began to desert. Even the Tlascalans were dis-
posed to abandon him.* Cortes very prudently
determined to attempt nothing during these eight
* It is said that Chichimecatl, the young lord of Tezcuco,
and eight Tlascalans, were all that stood by him.
HERNAN CORTES. 165
days. He placed himself on the defensive, and
resolved to wait quietly until the Indians should
see that the story was idle.
Eight days passed away, and the Spaniards
were still undestroyed. The Indians now flocked
again to the standard of Cortes in larger numbers
than ever ; he soon had the command of fifty thou-
sand allies. Just at this time, a vessel arrived at
Villa Rica with men and ammunition. This last
article was very much needed, as the Spaniards
had spent nearly all their gunpowder. With a
heart unbroken by his fresh calamity, and still car-
rying the fixed determination of conquering Mexico,
Cortes now resolved upon another attack. This
time he was resolved to trust to prudence as well
as courage ; and, giving up all thought of preserv-
ing the city, he at once commenced his siege of
destruction.
The three divisions were commanded to advance
in strict military order : they were to destroy every
house in the way ; while the allies, following im-
mediately behind, were to fill up all ditches — •
thereby making a retreat easy, if necessary. The
divisions started, and the plan was regularly fol-
lowed up. Day after day the Mexicans found
themselves shut up in narrower limits ; yet Guati-
mozin continued his resistance, and seemed deter-
mined to see the last house in Mexico razed to th&
ground before he would consent that the Spaniards
166 THE ADVENTURES OF
should enter the city. At length, Alvarado with
his division worked his way to the great squaro
of Tlalteloco. He found that a great number of
warriors and priests had gathered in the temple
which commanded the entrance to the square ; and
as his comrades from the other causeways were to
meet in this square (the general mustering-place
agreed upon), he determined to attack them. With
his whole force, he rushed impetuously forward,
gained the temple, drove out the Mexicans, set fire
to the idols, and planted the Spanish banner on
the top of the building, to cheer his approaching
companions.
This was a joyous signal to Cortes and Sando-
val. With renewed energies they pressed on, and
in four days joined Alvarado in the square. His
plan was thus far successful ; he was now master
of the western portion of the city, and Cortes re-
solved to pursue it further. Before doing this,
however, he sent another messenger to Guatimo-
zin with proposals. The proud Mexican King
again gave him a scornful answer, and the Span-
iards at once renewed their operations. Every
day the Mexicans were enclosed in a narrower
compass, while a heap of ruins continued to
mark the progress of the Spaniards. The situ-
ation of the Mexicans was now awful. The
brigantines commanded the lake, the Tlascalans
cut off all communication by land ; and thus the
HERNAN CORTES. 16?
horrors of famine were added to those of war.
The want of food soon produced disease among
them, and now the awful horrors of war, famine,
and pestilence, were all upon them. Every night
the poor famishing creatures were prowling about
the Spanish quarters in search of food ; every day
they were shut up in smaller limits. The heart
of Guatimozin was touched, but not subdued ; with
a proud and unconquerable spirit, he seemed re-
solved to see his beautiful capital one complete
ruin, rather than submit. All the city, except one
small quarter, was now in possession of the Span-
iards, and this was soon to share the fate of the
rest.
The command of the fleet was given to Sando-
val. He was to attack that quarter by sea, while
Cortes made an assault by land. The Mexicans
now perceived that all was well nigh over, and
tried to persuade Guatimozin to quit the place, fly
to the distant provinces, and there rally his troops.
To aid him in this matter, they brought to Cortes
pretended proposals of peace — hoping that while
he was negotiating with them, Guatimozin might
escape. In this plan they were disappointed : the
bold defence of Guatimozin, with his bold answers,
had taught the Spanish chief that the death or cap-
tivity of that prince was necessary to the estab-
lishment of the Spaniards in his kingdom. Deter-
mined, therefore, that he should in no way escape,
168 THE ADVENTURES OF
he had given strict commands to Sandoval to be
on the lookout. Every canoe was closely watched.
Seeing some large boats moving speedily toward
the land, Sandoval gave signal for a chase. Gar-
cia Holguin, who commanded the swiftest brigan-
tine, soon came up with them. From the superior
appearance of one of the boats, he judged it to be
the King's, and instantly prepared to fire upon it.
Guatimozin now showed himself, and declared he
was ready to submit. With the Queen and his
attendants he was immediately taken on board the
vessel. His first demand was that he might be
taken before the Spanish general. He was carried
to the shore, and brought before Cortes. Though
vanquished, his spirit was unbroken. He cried out
to the Spaniard, " Malinatzin, I have done all in
my power to defend my kingdom and my people.
All my efforts have been fruitless. I have nothing
else to attempt. Take your dagger and stab me
to the heart !" Cortes was too much of a soldier
not to feel. Guatimozin was a young man (only
then five-and-twenty), and, though a captive, had
proved himself a hero. He endeavored to console
him in his sorrow, promising that he should con-
tinue to reign, subject to the authority of the King
of Spain ; and commanded that he, with his family,
should be treated with marked respect. The siege
was now ended : he was master of the capital.
But what was the capital now ? Three fourths
HERNAN CORTES. 169
of that once beautiful city lay in ruins, and all the
squares, streets, and courts, were filled with dead
bodies. It was scarcely possible to move without
stumbling over them. Bernal Diaz (one of the
soldiers of Cortes) declares that " all the streets,
squares, and houses, were covered with the bodies
of the slain ; among the heaps of which were to
be seen many wretches crawling about in an ad-
vanced stage of those loathsome diseases produced
by famine, or unnatural food, exhaustion, and in-
fected air. The trees had been stripped of their
bark — the earth dug up, in search of food. Not
a drop of fresh water could be found." The Span-
iards had lost in that siege more than one hundred
of their men ; their allies had lost thousands ;
while no less than one hundred and fifty thousand
Mexicans had perished. The air was polluted
with the masses of the dead. Cortes was forced
to leave the city, that it might be cleansed ; and
during three days and nights the causeways were
filled with miserable beings carrying off the dead.*
In all this misery, the Spaniards felt the joy of
conquerors. They had endured a hard struggle ;
their enemy was subdued : they were now to find
their treasures. Returning to the city, they com-
menced their search ; but it was only to be disap-
pointed. No booty was to be gathered ; the whole
* It is said that Maria Estrada again distinguished herself in
this siege, together with Beatriz Bermudez, and several other
women.
15
170 THE ADVENTURES OF
quantity of gold that was discovered amounted only
to one hundred and twenty thousand dollars, hardly
sufficient to pay the expense of the enterprise.
Their golden hopes were clouded : now they be-
gan to murmur. By the advice of Father Olmedo,
this treasure was divided among the sick and
wounded. The murmurs of the discontented now
became louder ; they began to insinuate that Cortes
was unjust. There was a rumor that Guatimozin,
four days before he was taken, had thrown quan-
tities of gold and precious stones into the lake, to
disappoint the avarice of the Spaniards ; and now
they openly declared that Cortes knew more about
this matter than he was willing to confess. They
demanded that Guatimozin should be put to the
torture until he should confess where the treasures
were hid. Cortes very properly refused this cruel
demand. They were only the more clamorous, cry-
ing out that it was no good feeling which prompted
him to deny thern, but a desire to keep the place
concealed, that he alone might have all the treasure.
A revolt was openly talked of. Thus ungenerously
accused, to prove his innocence, in a weak mo-
ment Cortes allowed them to seize Guatimozin. He
was instantly put to the torture. The agony was
borne by the unfortunate King with unflinching for-
titude, until Cortes, in a rage, snatched him away
from them. He had no story to tell : the treasures
HERNAN CORTES. 171
were not to be found.* The life of this unhappy-
captive was, however, only prolonged three years ;
the statement of a Mexican inducing the Spaniards
to suspect a revolt, in which he was said to be con-
cerned, he was condemned to die, and was hanged.
Cortes now resolved to send some of his men to
the distant provinces, to subdue them and plant
settlements. This was necessary, to make his
conquest complete ; while, at the same time, it
would serve to employ his soldiers, turn their
thoughts from their disappointment, and possibly
lead them to the treasures they desired. Accord-
ingly, Sandoval, Olid, and others, were started off
with parties in various directions.
But while' he was thus busily engaged in con-
quests which were daily adding kingdoms to the
Spanish crown, his enemies had been busy in
Spain. The Bishop of Burgos and others tor-
mented the King with the entreaty to take all
power and command from the Spanish conqueror.
Moved by their importunities, Charles at last con-
sented. Mexico was scarcely reduced, when Chris-
toval de Tapia arrived at Vera Cruz, with full
* There is a story that the lord of Tacuba was put to the
torture with Guatimozin. The mode of torture was, by anoint-
ing their feet with oil, and exposing them to fire. This poor man,
it is said, died in the midst of it, and in his last agony cast an
imploring look toward the King. Guatimozin, observing this
look, cried out reproachfully, "Aral reposing on a bed of
toses?"
172 THE ADVENTURES OF
power to seize Cortes, and treat him as a guilty
man. Alvarado, who was in command at Villa
Rica, received Tapia very kindly, but at the same
time sent a messenger to Cortes, to tell him of the
danger that threatened him. Tapia was now ad-
vancing toward Mexico, and Cortes commanded
some of his officers to go out and meet him, that
they might come to terms peaceably. Father 01-
medo and others persuaded him to return to Chem-
poalla, and there show his commission to them.
Tapia was treated with great respect, but he soon
found that he was dealing with men more cunning
than himself, and that he could hardly hope to fulfil
his orders ; time was wasted, and his business not
at all forwarded. By the advice of his friends,
Cortes now tried the power of gold upon Tapia.
The plan succeeded ; he was at once bought over.
This danger being averted, Cortes now set dili-
gently to the work of rebuilding Mexico. This
was to be done in grand style, suitable to the capi-
tal of the New World. The ruins and rubbish
being cleared away, grounds were marked off for
the erection of churches, convents, and public
buildings, while others were laid out for squares
and market-places. He caused a magnificent pal-
ace to be erected for himself, and here took up his
residence. His old prisoner Narvaez was now
thought of. Sending to Villa Rica, he had him
brought to Mexico, that he might be reconciled to
HERNAN CORTES. 173
him. Cortes received him with great kindness,
embraced him warmly, and would not allow him
to submit to the custom of kissing his hand. He
was now at liberty. This generosity was for-
gotten by Narvaez. Led on by the Bishop of
Burgos, he became afterward one of the bitterest
enemies of Cortes.
15*
174
THE ADVENTURES OF
CHAPTER X
^Jfjtf-'J - HILE thus employed at the
capital, Cortes was suddenly
called off by a revolt in the
province of Panuco. The na-
tives of that region had risen
in arms, and massacred many
of the Spaniards who had gone
there to make settlements. Cor-
tes instantly, upon hearing this,
marched out against them, routed
them in two battles, forced them to
submit to his authority, and then
returned to Mexico to continue his
labors.
As past experience had taught him
to dread the influence of his enemies in
Spain, he determined to send messengers once
more to that kingdom, to watch his interests and
represent his conduct. Accordingly, two of his
particular friends, Alonzo Davila and Quinones,
were despatched there, bearing a rich present of
gold and jewels to the King, together with a re-
quest from their countrymen that the chief com-
HERNAN CORTES. 175
mand of New Spain might be given to their leader.
At the same time, Cortes sent letters, to advance
his owix interests and those of his faithful officers.
These messengers were very unfortunate on their
voyage. Quinones was killed in a duel at Ter-
ceira, and Davila was made a prisoner by a French
privateer and carried to France. From this point,
however, he was enabled to send his letters to Don
Martin, the father of Hernan Cortes. The appre-
hensions of Cortes were well founded. A furious
contest was now going on in Spain about him.
All manner of charges were brought against him
by the Bishop of Burgos, backed by Narvaez
and Tapia, who had now returned to Spain ; while
his cause was strongly supported by his father Don
Martin, and his officers Francisco de Montejo and
Diego de Ordaz. Fortunately, these last suc-
ceeded in gaining the friendship of the Duke of
Bejar and other powerful grandees ; and now the
claims of the conqueror were so ably sustained
before the King, that justice forced him to yield.
Cortes had conquered the new kingdom ; Cortes
could rule it ; and to him, therefore, was now sent
out a commission as " Captain-General and Gover-
nor of New Spain." At the same time, a number
of men were despatched by the King to collect and
manage the royal revenues.
Upon receiving this commission, Cortes contin-
ued to carry out his plans most vigorously. The
176 THE ADVENTURES OF
city of Mexico was hourly rising from its ruins,
while his officers, despatched in every direction,
were wandering through the distant provinces,
searching for mines, or making settlements. So
devoted were his followers now, that it is said he
might, without an effort, have become an absolute
monarch over the new region he had conquered.
But his heart was true to his king ; he desired no
such honor. It was enough for him to have added
so vast an empire to the land of his birth, and now
to rule over it under the authority of another.
About this time, Garay, the Governor of Jamaica,
set sail, with a large body of followers, for the re-
duction of Panuco. At Cuba he heard of the great
exploits of Cortes, and that this province was sub-
dued by him. Having, however, his commission
from the Bishop of Burgos, he hoped to negotiate
with Cortes, and assume the command : and there-
fore continued his voyage. The weather driving
him into the river Palmas, he landed his men, and
determined to march into Panuco. Upon reach-
ing that place, he found that the soldiers of
Cortes had possession ; his own soldiers began
to join them, and he saw that his adventure
was an idle one. Vallejo, who commanded the
settlement of San Estevan, had sent notice of his
arrival to Cortes ; and Alvarado, Sandoval, and
Father Olmedo, were sent to Panuco, with com-
mands for Garay to leave the country. But Garay's
HERNAN CORTES. 177
position was hardly that of an opponent ; a large
number of his men had deserted him, and he was
forced to request Cortes to aid him in making them
return to their duty. They were soon on terms
of peace ; and, at the suggestion of Father Olme-
do, the Governor's son was married to Doha Cata-
lina, the daughter of Cortes.
The expedition of Garay, however, gave trouble
in another way. His soldiers went to wandering
through the country, insulting and robbing the na-
tives, until at last they became exasperated and
determined upon revenge. So completely did they
carry out their design, that in a little time it is said
they killed, sacrificed, and devoured five hundred
of the soldiers of Garay. Not satisfied with this,
they went so far as to destroy every Spania.d whom
they could find straggling, and at length took up
arms for the destruction of the colony of San Es-
tevan. Yallejo and many of his companions were
killed in defending themselves, and forty Spaniards
belonging to that settlement were seized and burnt
in one night. Cortes immediately despatched San-
doval, with a strong force, against the Panuchese.
That officer soon subdued them, making the Ca-
ciques and most of the guilty men his prisoners.
Upon sending to Cortes to know what should be
done with them, a message was returned that
Diego de Ocampo, the magistrate, should look into
the matter, and punish the guilty, while at the same
178 THE ADVENTURES OF
time he should use all proper means to conciliate
the natives. Many of the Caciques confessed
their guilt, while others were proved to be guilty ;
and these were all either burnt or hanged. A num-
ber received a free pardon ; and, that no such diffi-
culty might occur again, the soldiers of Garay were
collected and sent back to Cuba.
Cortes now turned again to the work of improve-
ment and discovery. News having reached him
that in the districts of Higueras and Honduras
there were extensive and valuable mines : in fact,
that gold was so plenty there, that the weights on
the fishermen's nets were made of it — and, more-
over, that a passage might there be discovered into
the Pacific ocean — he determined to send an ex-
pedition into that region. Accordingly, he fitted
out six ships, and gathering three hundred and sev-
enty soldiers, gave the command to Christoval de
Olid, with orders to proceed to Cuba, procure all
necessary supplies, and thence to pursue his voyage
to Higueras and make a settlement.
Troubles were still gathering for Cortes in Spain.
His enemies were still active against him ; the tax-
gatherers who had been sent out by the King en-
vied him his palace and his authority over the new
kingdom. Private hatred, too, was in the hearts
of some. One of his men (Rodrigo de Albornoz)had
ambitiously desired to marry the daughter of the
Prince of Tezcuco, and Cortes had opposed it.
HERNAN CORTES. 179
The man remembered this with a bitter feeling.
Heavy accusations against Cortes had been sent
to Spain. He was charged with laying heavy
taxes upon the people, fortifying castles for his
own use, and in every way preparing to make
himself a king. The Bishop of Burgos and Nar-
vaez urged these accusations warmly before the
King, while, as formerly, the Duke of Bejar used
his influence against them ; the King was waver-
ing and undecided. At length, in an effort to please
both parties, he determined that the conduct of
Cortes should be investigated. Ponce de Leon
was therefore despatched to Mexico, with powers
to seize the Governor if he should think it neces-
sary, and send him under a strong guard to Spain.
Difficulties at home, too, again annoyed him.
Olid, upon his arrival at Cuba, tempted by Velas-
quez, had proved a traitor to his general. Pro-
ceeding to Higueras, he had planted the colony of
the Triumph of the Cross, and declared himself
independent of Cortes. The Spanish leader was
greatly grieved over this treason. Olid had shared
with him his trials and his triumphs ; and yet it
was necessary to punish him, as an example to the
rest of his countrymen. An expedition, under the
command of Francisco Las Casas, was immedi-
ately sent against him. The vessel was unfortu-
nately driven ashore by a storm ; some of the men
perished, others were made prisoners by Olid—
180 THE ADVENTURES OF
among the rest, Las Casas. Upon being set free,
however, he persuaded the soldiers of Olid to re-
turn to their duty, and seize their traitorous leader.
Olid was arrested, shortly afterward sentenced to
die, and beheaded.
Anxious to stop this treason, and not hearing
promptly from Las Casas, Cortes had gathered his
forces for a start. With a large body of Spaniards,
and three thousand Mexicans, headed by their
chiefs, all under the command of himself and San-
doval, he set out by land for that region. After
passing Coatzacuales,* where he was received
with fire-works and every demonstration of joy, his
march was perhaps as perilous and trying as any
adventure of his life. It lay through a wild and
uninhabited country, intersected by rivers, and cov-
ered with tangled forests, which completely shut
out the light of day. They were forced to con-
struct bridges for passing the streams, and to
cut their way through the thick woods that sur-
rounded them. Starvation and disease followed
in their track ; they ate such roots and berries as
they could find : multitudes perished. At one time
Cortes was compelled to punish his soldiers for seiz-
ing and devouring some of the natives. With an
undying perseverance he pushed his way on, and
* At this .place they met with the brother and mother of
Dona Marina. The mother, knowing her guilt, was almost
afraid to meel her daughter ; but Dona Marina treated her very
kindly, and interceded in her behalf with Cortes.
HERNAN CORTES. 181
at length reached the region for which he had
started, only to find that all was in submission.
Las Casas had faithfully carried out his orders.
In the mean time,, Ponce de Leon had arrived
in the country, but died before he was able to ex-
ecute the King's commands. The enemies of
Cortes, however, were still alive and active ; every
agent sent out by the King acted as a spy upon
the leader ; every vessel that sailed from the New
World carried home false accusations against him.
The Bishop of Burgos still plead with the King.
At last his suspicions were aroused ; he became
jealous of the growing fame and power of Cortes,
and issued a commission to " investigate his con-
duct, and subject him to all the rigors of justice."
Mortified at the triumph of his enemies, the spirit
of Cortes was still unbroken. His old veterans
now rallied around him, and proposed that he
should declare himself independent of the King,
swearing that they would maintain his cause at all
hazards. This he was unwilling to do ; yet his
proud -spirit revolted at the thought of being sub-
jected to a trial in that country which he had con-
quered and ruled. He determined to present him-
self boldly before the King, and explain his whole
conduct. Attended by his brave officers and the
principal chiefs of the Mexicans, and carrying a
large part of his riches to give splendor to his ap-
pearance, Cortes repaired to Spain. He had
16
182 THE ADVENTURES OF
scarcely reached that country, when he met with
a heavy sorrow. The gallant Sandoval, one of his
attendants, died in Andalusia, on his way to the
Spanish capital, and Cortes mourned for him as his
noblest soldier and most devoted friend. At this
moment, when friends were needed, his sorrow
was felt most keenly. Arrived at the Spanish
court, the King received him with every mark of
friendship. Cortes was now in his native land,
where his power was limited, and the jealousy of
•the monarch was. for a little time forgotten. At-
tentions were liberally bestowed upon the con-
queror. His exploits were loudly talked of ; he
was admitted to an intimacy with the King as great
as that of the first grandees of the land, and re-
ceived from him the Order of Santiago, and the
title of Marquess of the Valle de Oaxaca. Yet
for all this he could not obtain from him his former
position as Captain-General of New Spain. Empty
titles he could give him, but this embraced too much
power, and the King held to his determination not.
to bestow it. For two years Cortes continued at the
court, while the superior merit of the conqueror,
and the strong attachment of his men, only fastened
tire King in his first conclusion. In the New
World he might have the military command, with
the privilege of- making new discoveries and
conquests ; the government of that country was
given to a board of officers, to be known as the
HERNAN CORTES. 183
Audience of New Spain* Wearied and disgusted,
at length, in 1530, he left the kingdom and returned
to Mexico.
Here, again, he was in the midst of disappoint-
ments. The Audiencia, jealous of his power,
watched his every movement, while every plan
proposed by him met with their decided opposi-
tion. Backed as they were by the King and his
ministers in Spain, it was idle for him to oppose
them. Wearied with the little meanness of these
men, his thoughts turned again to the pursuits of
his early life ; he determined to embark in new
discoveries and exploits. He had in his mind the
thought that a passage might be found - between
the Atlantic and Pacific oceans (or the North and
South seas, as they were then called) somewhere
on the eastern coast of North America, or through
the isthmus of Panama. Accordingly, he fitted out
expeditions to attempt these discoveries, and in-
trusted the command to able pilots. They were,
of course, unsuccessful in finding what they
searched for. Disappointed in this, he now sent
out various armaments from the western shores of
the Mexican empire, to make discoveries in the
South sea. The first, under the command of Men-
doza and Mazuela, was unsuccessful. A second,
in charge of Becerra, was fortunate enough to
* This government was afterward superseded by that of
Viceroys.
184 THE ADVENTURES OF
reach the southern extremity of the rich peninsula
of California ; but a mutiny arising among the men,
destroyed the hope of further discovery. With an
untiring energy, Cortes now made ready another
expedition, and took the command himself. Storms
and hardships beset him in his voyage ; yet, with
a desperate resolution, he pressed on, reached the
region discovered by Becerra,* and planted the
colony of La Santa Cruz. He now returned to
Mexico to procure supplies. Here difficulties
again beset him, and he thought it prudent to send
for his followers in the new colony and bring them
home, to save them from starvation. Still resolute,
however, as soon as he was able to do so he sent
out another expedition, under Francisco de Ulloa.
This likewise proved unfortunate. In these un-
profitable enterprises it is said he spent no less
than three hundred thousand crowns.
His Iossh, t together with the continued jealousies
of* the Audiencia, now prompted him again to re-
turn to his native country, in the hope of finding
redress. Accordingly, in 1540, he sailed home-
ward. Upon his arrival, he found his reception
very different from what it had been before. He
was now known as a disappointed adventurer.
Pizarro and Almagro had been making brilliant
* It is commonly supposed that Cortes was the discoverer of
California, hut the author regards Diego de Becerra as the dis-
coverer of that peninsula.
HERNAN CORTES. 185
discoveries in Peru, and all thoughts were turned
toward them. He was now not so much to be
dreaded by the King. He treated him neither as
a friend nor an enemy — worse than either, with a
cold indifference. The ministers carried them-
selves toward him with actual scorn. Strange as
it may seem, this was the treatment which the
conqueror of Mexico received in his native land !
For seven tedious years did he seek redress at
the court of Spain. Day after day did he entreat
for justice at the hands of those who managed the
affairs of America ; day after day did he demand
of the King that his services. should be remembered.
No gratitude for those perilous services, however,
could move that monarch. The man who had
given to his country an empire in the New World
was doomed never again to have authority in it.
Nay, the King added insult to injury. It is said
that on one occasion, when Cortes appeared at
court, and was pressing through the crowd to ap-
proach the monarch, the King, anxious to wound
him by pretending not to know him, cried out to
his attendants, " Who is that person ?" The an-
swer of Cortes was direct. " Tell his Majesty,"
cried the conqueror, " that it is one who has con-
quered for him more kingdoms than his ancestors
left him provinces !"
His life was well nigh ended. His continued
disappointments mortified him ; grief over his
186 THE ADVENTURES OF HERNAN CORTES.
broken hopes preyed upon him ; domestic afflic-
tion rolled in to fill the cup of his misery, and he
sank under the burden. He died on the second
day of December, 1547, in the sixty-second year
of his age. His remains were buried with great
ceremony in the chapel of the Dukes of Medina
Sidonia ; but, in obedience to a direction in his
will, were afterward taken to the New World, and
now rest in that city which he discovered and
conquered, but was not allowed to rule.
THE END.
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